Long term follow-up of reconstruction with allogeneic mandibular bone crib packed with autogenous particulate cancellous bone marrow

Allogeneic mandibular bone processed by the deep frozen method was used as a biologic crib for mandibular reconstruction. The allogeneic mandible is biocompatible, bioresorbable, of low antigenicity and provides the morphology for symphysis contour, angle of mandible and dental arch form. The particulate cancellous bone marrow (PCBM) contains marked osteogenic potential of hematopoietic marrow, which promotes osteogenesis. The cancellous marrow graft lacks structure and requires a crib to house it during the bone regeneration to the consolidation phase. Fresh frozen mandible was hollowed out for packing with PCBM prior to securing it to the defect by a rigid fixation method. Four cases of large mandibular defects resulting from treatment of benign odontogenic tumors were reconstructed utilizing this technique. All cases showed excellent facial contour and function satisfactorily in mastication and pronunciation. Complete graft incorporation and restoration of the osseous continuities were observed for four to 12 years after the operation.