OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of transplantation of frozen autogenous mandible with delayed implantation.

METHODSOperations were performed to create two defects in the bilateral mandible of 16 dogs. The left defect was grafted by composite transplantation of frozen autogenous mandible (immersed in -196 degrees C liquid nitrogen) with fresh cancellous ilium (composite transplantation group, CTG). The right defect was grafted by fresh ilium (iliac transplantation group, ITG). Three months after transplantation one IMZ TPS dental implant was placed into the graft of each side. At 3, 6, 9, 12 weeks postoperatively, 4 animals were sacrificed respectively and the grafts with dental implant were harvested for gross observation, X-Ray examination and histological evaluation to compare peri-implant bone healing between composite transplantation group and iliac transplantation group.

RESULTSThere was no absorbing bone density reducing image of peri-implant at each stage. The quantified X-Ray gray extent displayed obvious variation of interfacial bone density between two kinds of grafts at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks after implantation. The composite transplantation group obviously surpassed the iliac transplantation group. At 12 weeks after the implantation, there was no significant difference between the peri-implant bones of both sides. There was satisfactory osseointegration between the implants and the two kinds of grafts. The healing style of peri-implant bone was similar.

CONCLUSIONSGood osseointegration was performed between the implant and the composite transplantation of frozen autogenous mandible following delayed implantation.