Abstract
This is a report on the reconstruction of the mandible using hydroxyapatite porous block (hereafter apatite) after resection of ameloblastoma.
This material has been used in clinical settings to support the jaw morphologically or structurally by uniting it with the callus from the residual mandible and providing the base for ossification.
The formulae for apatite material for reconstruction of the mandible include 1) intraosseous implantation after partial resection, 2) bridge implantation after segmental resection, and 3) implantation connecting a free bone stump of the unilaterally resected mandible. Since apatite material is not strong enough mechanically to fix the mandible by itself, titanium plate, newly developed for the reconstruction of the mandible with apatite, is used with it. This plate compresses and binds a residual mandibular stump by screwing during bridge implantation. Of five patients who received this procedure, four were supported structually, three with bridge implantation and one with intraosseous implantation, and one was supported morphologically. Titanium plate of mandibular reconstruction using hydroxyapatite porous block was used in two of the five patients.
