Vascular basis of lateral osteotomy of the mandible.

The sources of periosteal blood supply to the mandible have been investigated by dissection, histology, and injection studies. The facial artery has been identified as a major extraosseous source of blood supply to the body. The study confirms the importance of preserving the soft tissue attachments on the buccal aspect and lower border of the mandible during lateral mandibular osteotomy.