Comparison of residual osseous mass between vascularized and nonvascularized onlay bone transfers.

Composite flaps containing vascularized frontal bone were transferred on muscle pedicles in immature rabbits. Vascular continuity was maintained on one side and interrupted on the other. Bone weights at 16 weeks following transfer were compared with those of unoperated controls. The conventional bone graft demonstrated significant reduction in osseous mass. The vascularized bone maintained its mass compared with unoperated controls. Vascularized bone transfer appears to be the preferred surgical technique whenever possible.