Spontaneous Regeneration of Bone in Segmental Mandibular Defect

Abstract

Aim

To highlight the spontaneous regeneration of mandibular segmental defects in young and pediatric cases and to review the literature of this unusual and rare phenomenon.

Methodology

Two case reports of a 17-year old male and a 8-month-old infant has been presented who underwent resection of mandible for benign tumors. These two cases have been compared with the existing literature of 61 cases published till date.

Inference

Spontaneous regeneration of mandible as a viable reconstructive option is not practically feasible. The consistency and predictability of the phenomenon is questionable. Bone grafting should probably be done immediately in all cases, even in young patients if a delay would interfere with quality of life. In infants and small children though, we propose that immediate reconstruction may be avoided to allow some regeneration at the defect site. If it does not occur, secondary reconstruction may then be considered.