Reconstruction after hemimandibulectomy using a costochondral rib graft and a dacron-urethane tray with autogenous iliac bone: report of a case.

A case is presented that describes a method of mandibular reconstruction using a costochondral graft for replacement of the condyle that is attached to a dacron-urethane tray filled with particulate bone and marrow harvested from the ilium and secured to the distal mandibular segment with stainless steel wire. The requirements of graft immobilization and early return to function were met by initially using maxillomandibular fixation and then using external pin fixation with a small hinge incorporated into the acrylic bar. The advantages of using a dacron-urethane tray as opposed to a metallic tray are described, and the use of costochondral grafts is reviewed.