The functional result of mandibular reconstruction.

A study was performed to determine if patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction were functionally rehabilitated. Five parameters were evaluated: deglutition, mastication, cosmesis, diet, and the use of dentures. Deglutition was not improved in patients who had mandibular continuity restored. Problems with deglutition were related to soft tissue resection. Mastication was poorer in the reconstructed group due to scarring, loss of the muscles of mastication, and inhibition of compensatory mandibular motion. Cosmesis was improved in patients who had immediate restoration of mandibular continuity. Cosmesis was not improved in patients with delayed mandibular reconstruction due to previous scarring. Prosthetic rehabilitation was poor in both groups of patients. Reconstructed patients had a greater number of hospitalizations due to management of, or complications from reconstructive surgical procedures. The results of this study suggests that restoration of mandibular continuity does not enhance the functional rehabilitation of the majority of patients with oral-pharyngeal malignancy.