Repair of a large anterior maxillary defect with a skin-tube and cartilage graft.

A case of a traumatic defect of the maxilla is described. The patient sustained an injury in the middle third of his face that involved loss of the anterior portion of the maxilla, the alveolus from the right molar to the left premolar region, and the anterior two thirds of the hard palate with comminuted fractures of the adjacent bones. The resulting defect was successfully closed by means of a skin-tube pedicle and cartilage graft. The discomfort and difficulties in swallowing and speech as well as masticatory disturbance were much improved. The grafted skin took on an appearance similar to oral mucosa and the follow-up examination a year later showed a well-functioning palate. The cartilage, however, seemed to be undergoing resorption.