Autogenous cancellous-marrow bone grafts in irradiated dog mandibles.

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the osteogenic potential of autogenous cancellous-marrow grafts placed in irradiated tissue. Three dogs received 4,100 rads in ten treatments ooer 32 days. Postirradiation discontinuity mandibular defects were created. These defects were restored with cancellous-marrow autogenous bone supported in position by a titanium mesh basket. Bony union occurred in all the mandibles. The titanium mesh partially eroded through the oral mucosa in two animals. The quantity of new bone formed in the surgical defect varied. Two dogs had complete restoration of the resected mandible. Histologic observations were documented in both the graft area and the surgically uninvolved contralateral side of the mandible.