Research progress on the reconstruction of mandibular defects in adolescents

Mandibular defects in adolescents are mostly caused by surgical resection of benign and malignant tumors, trauma and jaw inflammation. The reconstruction of mandibular defects in adolescents is challenging. In addition to solving the problem of jaw reconstruction in adults, some clinical factors, including the influence of surgery on the growth of donor and recipient areas, the long-term effects of reconstruction, and the outcome of bone grafts, must also be considered. At present, the main reconstructive methods include autogenous bone grafts and distraction osteogenesis. Autogenous bone grafts are still the gold standard due to their long-term effects. Favorable growth potential after repair was shown in adolescent cases of mandibular reconstruction with fibula flap. Normal occlusion was restored, and a long-term stable effect was achieved in cases of condylar reconstruction with costal cartilage. The safety and clinical effects of distraction osteogenesis have been confirmed, but the long-term effects of large-scale mandibular defects are still uncertain. In addition, other tissue engineering techniques also have good application prospects for the repair and reconstruction of adolescent mandible defects, but more in-depth basic research and more extensive clinical trials should be performed to verify the efficacy.