Mandibular Bone Transport: Frankfurt System
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Cornelius M. Klein, MD, DMD, PhD

Introduction

Reconstruction of large mandibular defects after tumor resection or traumatic bone loss is always a challenge. Only microsurgical grafting, commonly from the iliac crest, fibula or scapula, guarantees stability of bone volume. This major surgical procedure, however, often requires blood transfusion and a prolonged in-patient hospital course. In addition, the patient may suffer from donor site morbidity (Habal, 1994a). For reconstruction of bony defects, bone transport is an alternative procedure, which avoids these drawbacks and does not require the use of alloplastic materials. The technique is based on Ilizarov's method of segmental bone movement and has been successfully utilized for many years to treat large long bone defects (Ilizarov, 1975; Green et al., 1992b; Hughes et al., 1996). In general, the applicability of this technique for the craniofacial skeleton has already been demonstrated (Annino et al., 1994; Costantino et al., 1990; Costantino et al., 1993). The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the "Frankfurt Craniofacial Distraction System" for reconstruction of large mandibular bone defects, which was developed in cooperation with the medical instrument manufacturer Normed (Tuttlingen, Germany).