Free grafting of traumatically displaced or resected mandibular condyles.

A technique of free grafting of the mandibular condyle with a vertical ramus osteotomy is advocated in cases presenting with markedly displaced fracture dislocation of the condyle, in reconstruction of the TMJ after mandibular resection, and in providing access for vascular surgery approaches to the treatment of carotid aneurysms. The technique of free transplantation of the condyle did not result in any aseptic necrosis or any arthritic changes in 35 patients observed over a period of 3 to 15 years. All patients had excellent TMJ function.