Comparison of blood supply of mandibular composite grafts with different artery pedicles

Objective: To compare results of blood supply of composite mandibular flaps in the blood supply pedicles with external maxillary artery and inferior dental artery and only with external maxillary artery. Methods: Blood supply of composite mandibular grafts with different blood supply pedicles was evaluated in canines and rabbits by using angiography and a three-phase technique of radionuclide skeletal imaging. Results: Blood flow of mandibular area were markedly reduced when only external maxillary artery was included in the blood supply pedicle Conclusion: In order to meet with success the blood supply pedicle should be composed of external maxillary artery and inferior dental artery in composite mimandibular allotransplantatation, especilly including hemimandible.