Revascularized bone grafts for craniofacial reconstruction.

Reconstruction of craniomaxillofacial defects caused by injury, tumor ablation, or congenital deformities can be accomplished by a variety of methods. Nonvascularized (free), vascularized (pedicled), and revascularized (microvascular) bone grafts have been employed for osseous restoration of the upper, mid, and lower facial skeleton. In comprised recipient tissue beds or when rapid functional restoration is desired, revascularized flaps hold certain advantages over their nonrevascularized counterparts. The revascularized flaps used most commonly for craniofacial reconstruction are discussed with regard to anatomy, clinical applications, and aesthetic and functional limitations.