Functional reconstruction of the mandible: a modified titanium mesh system.

This paper describes a method for mandibular reconstruction utilizing autogenous cancellous bone in a titanium mesh. The mesh is designed preoperatively based on a duplicate of the patient's mandible which is modified to simulate an anatomically correct edentulous segment in the region to be reconstructed. The duplicate mandible is articulated with a maxillary dental cast, and a locating splint is fabricated for intraoperative use to aid the positioning of the mesh in relation to the upper teeth. The method facilitates future rehabilitation with dental implants and results in a symmetric and highly functional reconstruction of the mandible.