Rita A Depprich

Publications of Rita A Depprich

• Tissue expanders for soft tissue reconstruction in the head and neck area-requirements and limitations.

  Authors: Jörg Handschel, Stefanie Schultz, Rita A Depprich, Ralf Smeets, Christoph Sproll, Michelle A Ommerborn, Christian Naujoks, Norbert R Kübler, André Zimmermann

  Clinical oral investigations. 05/2012;

  OBJECTIVES: The repair of skin defects in the head and neck region still poses a significant problem for many clinicians. Tissue expansion is described as a treatment option providing good color,OBJECTIVES: The repair of skin defects in the head and neck region still poses a significant problem for many clinicians. Tissue expansion is described as a treatment option providing good color, texture, and thickness match of the expanded skin. Unfortunately, the complication rates for tissue expansion range from 0 to 48 %. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for the use of tissue expanders in head and neck reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients with skin deficits in the head and neck area underwent tissue expansion. Sixty-two implanted expanders were analyzed regarding the various complications and the success rate. RESULTS: The success rate of treated patients was 37 (75.5 %) of all 49 included patients. The most frequent cause for the skin deficit was a tumor resection near the tip of the nose followed by skin deficits resulting after craniectomy. Interestingly, a higher number of expanders and a larger volume were significantly associated with a worse outcome. There was a trend of association between larger defect size and failure, too. CONCLUSIONS: The internal tissue expansion is a suitable technique for skin reconstruction in the head and face area. Compared to distant or free flaps, it often offers a better cosmetic outcome. In very large defects (>100 cm(2)) or when more than two expanders are needed, the failure rate increases. In these cases, other treatment options are recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The internal tissue expansion is a suitable technique for skin reconstruction in the head and face area.

• CT-scan is a valuable tool to detect mandibular involvement in oral cancer patients.

  Authors: Jörg Handschel, Christian Naujoks, Rita A Depprich, Norbert R Kübler, Patric Kröpil, Julia Kuhlemann, Theresa Maria Jansen, Inga Boeck, Karl Christoph Sproll

  Oral oncology. 12/2011;

  In patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSSC) it is desirable to avoid unnecessary bone resection without neglecting the overall surgical treatment goal of tumor-free margins. WhereasIn patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSSC) it is desirable to avoid unnecessary bone resection without neglecting the overall surgical treatment goal of tumor-free margins. Whereas computed tomography (CT) is most commonly used to detect mandibular invasion, there are conflicting reports regarding the accuracy of CT. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reinvestigate the accuracy of CT in predicting mandibular involvement by OSSC. One hundred and seven patients with OSSC who received a mandibulectomy were included. Before treatment all patients underwent a contrast-enhanced multi-detector CT. Axial 3 or 1.25mm thick images were reconstructed for evaluation in overlapping technique and displayed in a bone (1400/400HU) and a soft tissue window (350/50HU). CT scans were examined by three investigators and compared with the histological findings. The radiological examination showed a high interrater reliability (Cronbachs alpha 0.982). Comparing the radiological findings with the histological results the CT showed 8 false-positive results and 8 false-negative patients. The quality criteria for detecting bone involvement of OSSC by CT were calculated as follows: sensitivity 82.6%; specificity 86.9%; positive predictive value 82.6%; negative predictive value 86.9%. However, in all false-positive patients a sagittal bone defect of 15.1mm could be found presumably caused by pressure of the tumor, but no histologically detectable bone infiltration. Modern CT (1-2mm sections) is a valuable tool for surgical treatment planning. If bone invasion is detected, a mandibulectomy seems always reasonable. In radiologically negative cases histological assessment is necessary to detect mandibular involvement.

• Therapies most frequently used for the management of bruxism by a sample of German dentists.

  Authors: Michelle A Ommerborn, Jalleh Taghavi, Preeti Singh, Joerg Handschel, Rita A Depprich, Wolfgang H M Raab

  The Journal of prosthetic dentistry. 03/2011; 105(3):194-202.

  At present, there is little information available on how practicing dentists manage bruxism patients with respect to conservative, reversible techniques as compared to irreversible techniques. TheAt present, there is little information available on how practicing dentists manage bruxism patients with respect to conservative, reversible techniques as compared to irreversible techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine the most commonly applied therapies used for the management of bruxism by German general dentists (GDs) and dental specialists. In addition, efforts were made to gather information on the knowledge and opinion of GDs and specialists regarding the role of occlusal interferences, in particular, on the development of sleep bruxism. A 13-item questionnaire was developed and mailed to all active members of the statutory dental insurance providers of the German North Rhine (n=5500; 2006 roster) and the German Westphalia-Lippe area (n=4984; 2006 roster). Group differences were statistically analyzed using chi-square tests for the qualitative variables and Mann-Whitney U tests for the quantitative variables (α=.05). Occlusal splints were by far the most frequently prescribed therapy for the management of bruxism, followed by relaxation techniques, occlusal equilibration, physiotherapy, and prosthodontic reconstruction. The occlusal stabilization splint with canine protected articulation was the splint type most often prescribed, whereas respondents used unadjusted soft splints for approximately 8% of their bruxism patients. Comparison of the opinions of all responding practicing dentists with that of experts in regard to the statement that "sleep bruxism is caused by occlusal interferences" showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (P=.021). Eighty-five percent of the experts disagreed with this statement, and only 47.7% of the practicing dentists had the same opinion as the experts. Most practicing dentists seem to concur with current scientific recommendations, and express the opinion that the management of bruxism should predominantly be conservative and reversible; however, the findings of the present survey reveal diverse differences between GDs and dental specialists concerning the most frequently prescribed therapies. Moreover, the discrepancies detected in some areas, such as the use of irreversible techniques or the use of unadjusted soft splints, emphasize the need to more promptly transfer new knowledge in the field of bruxism from researchers to practicing dentists.

• Embryonic stem cells induce ectopic bone formation in rats.

  Authors: Maren Kahle, Hans-Peter Wiesmann, Karin Berr, Rita A Depprich, Norbert R Kübler, Christian Naujoks, Matthias Cohnen, Michelle A Ommerborn, Ulrich Meyer, Jörg Handschel

  Bio-medical materials and engineering. 01/2010; 20(6):371-80.

  Surgery often leads to massive destruction of the skeleton. Cell-based bone reconstruction therapies promise new therapeutic opportunities for the repair of bone. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can beSurgery often leads to massive destruction of the skeleton. Cell-based bone reconstruction therapies promise new therapeutic opportunities for the repair of bone. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be differentiated into osteogenic cells and are a potential cell source for bone tissue engineering. The purpose of this in vivo study was to investigate the bone formation in various constructs containing ESCs (with and without micromass technology) and insoluble collagenous bone matrix (ICBM). Murine ESCs were cultured as monolayer cultures as well as micromasses and seeded on ICBM. These constructs were implanted in immunodeficient rats. After one week, one, two and three months CT-scans were performed to detect any calcifications and the rats were sacrificed. The radiological examination shows a steep increase of the mineralized tissue in group 1 (ICBM+seeded ESC). This increase can be considered as statistical significant. In contrast, the volume of the mineralization in group 2 (ICBM+ESC-spheres) and group 3 (ESC-spheres) does not increase significantly during the study. ESCs in combination with ICBM do promote ectopic bone formation in vivo. Thus, this cell population as well as the biomaterial ICBM might be promising components for bone tissue engineering.

• A histomorphometric meta-analysis of sinus elevation with various grafting materials.

  Authors: Jörg Handschel, Melani Simonowska, Christian Naujoks, Rita A Depprich, Michelle A Ommerborn, Ulrich Meyer, Norbert R Kübler

  Head & face medicine. 02/2009; 5:12.

  Several grafting materials have been used in sinus augmentation procedures including autogenous bone, demineralized freeze-dried bone (DFDBA), hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP),Several grafting materials have been used in sinus augmentation procedures including autogenous bone, demineralized freeze-dried bone (DFDBA), hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), anorganic deproteinized bovine bone and combination of these and others. Up to now a subject of controversy in maxillofacial surgery and dentistry is, what is the most appropriate graft material for sinus floor augmentation. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to provide a body of evidence-based data regarding grafting materials in external sinus floor elevation concerning the fate of the augmented material at the histomorphological level, through a meta-analysis of the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature searches were performed using the National Library of Medicine. The search covered all English and German literature from 1995 until 2006. For analyzing the amount of bone the parameter "Total Bone Volume" (TBV) was assessed. TBV is determined as the percentage of the section consisting of bone tissue. RESULTS: In a relatively early phase after implantation the autogenous bone shows the highest TBV values. Interestingly, the different TBV levels approximate during the time. After 9 months no statistically significant differences can be detected between the various grafting materials. CONCLUSION: From a clinical point of view, the use of autogenous bone is advantageous if a prosthetic rehabilitation (with functional loading) is expected within 9 months. In other cases the use of anorganic deproteinized bovine bone in combination with autogenous bone seems to be preferable. Donor side morbidity is ignored in this conclusion.

• Comparison of prevalence of microorganisms on titanium and silicone/polymethyl methacrylate obturators used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects.

  Authors: Rita A Depprich, Jorg G Handschel, Ulrich Meyer, Guido Meissner

  The Journal of prosthetic dentistry. 06/2008; 99(5):400-5.

  STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Silicone or polymethyl methacrylate obturators, used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects, bear the risk of an enhanced settlement of microorganisms and, therefore, imposeSTATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Silicone or polymethyl methacrylate obturators, used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects, bear the risk of an enhanced settlement of microorganisms and, therefore, impose the risk of local or systemic infections. Titanium-based obturators offer favorable characteristics in contrast to polymer-based protheses in terms of microbial biofilm formation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of microorganisms on titanium and silicone/PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) obturators used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The obturators of 36 patients (17 titanium based, 19 polymer based) who underwent maxillectomy due to malignancy were evaluated. Microbiological specimens from obturator surfaces, the adjacent mucous surfaces, and the interior of polymer-based obturators were obtained with a sterile swab. Microbiological analysis was performed using conventional methods, including microscopy and culture, on several agar media. For statistical data analysis, Fisher's exact test (FT) (alpha=.05) and odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) were used. RESULTS: Polymer-based obturators showed a significantly higher quantitative and qualitative presence of nonphysiological microorganisms compared to titanium obturators. There is a significant risk (factor 1.4) for the penetration of bacteria to the depths of polymer-based obturators, especially if the surface is contaminated by pathological bacteria (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: The use of titanium-based obturators for the oral rehabilitation of postmaxillectomy patients significantly reduces the risk of infections with pathogenic oral microorganisms and, therefore, may protect patients from local oral or systemic infections.

• Induction of osteogenic markers in differentially treated cultures of embryonic stem cells.

  Authors: Jörg Handschel, Karin Berr, Rita A Depprich, Norbert R Kübler, Christian Naujoks, Hans-Peter Wiesmann, Michelle A Ommerborn, Ulrich Meyer

  Head & face medicine. 02/2008; 4:10.

  BACKGROUND: Facial trauma or tumor surgery in the head and face area often lead to massive destruction of the facial skeleton. Cell-based bone reconstruction therapies promise to offer newBACKGROUND: Facial trauma or tumor surgery in the head and face area often lead to massive destruction of the facial skeleton. Cell-based bone reconstruction therapies promise to offer new therapeutic opportunities for the repair of bone damaged by disease or injury. Currently, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are discussed to be a potential cell source for bone tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to investigate various supplements in culture media with respect to the induction of osteogenic differentiation. METHODS: Murine ESCs were cultured in the presence of LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor), DAG (dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate) or bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). Microscopical analyses were performed using von Kossa staining, and expression of osteogenic marker genes was determined by real time PCR. RESULTS: ESCs cultured with DAG showed by far the largest deposition of calcium phosphate-containing minerals. Starting at day 9 of culture, a strong increase in collagen I mRNA expression was detected in the DAG-treated cells. In BMP-2-treated ESCs the collagen I mRNA induction was less increased. Expression of osteocalcin, a highly specific marker for osteogentic differentiation, showed a double-peaked curve in DAG-treated cells. ESCs cultured in the presence of DAG showed a strong increase in osteocalcin mRNA at day 9 followed by a second peak starting at day 17. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of ESC cell cultures with DAG is effective in inducing osteogenic differentiation and appears to be more potent than stimulation with BMP-2 alone. Thus, DAG treatment can be recommended for generating ESC populations with osteogenic differentiation that are intended for use in bone tissue engineering.

• Dentin dysplasia type I: a challenge for treatment with dental implants.

  Authors: Rita A Depprich, Michelle A Ommerborn, Jörg GK Handschel, Christian D Naujoks, Ulrich Meyer, Norbert R Kübler

  Head & face medicine. 02/2007; 3:31.

  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Dentin dysplasia type I is characterized by a defect of dentin development with clinical normal appearance of the permanent teeth but no or only rudimentary root formation.ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Dentin dysplasia type I is characterized by a defect of dentin development with clinical normal appearance of the permanent teeth but no or only rudimentary root formation. Early loss of all teeth and concomitant underdevelopment of the jaws are challenging for successful treatment with dental implants. METHODS: A combination of sinus lifting and onlay bone augmentation based on treatment planning using stereolithographic templates was used in a patient with dentin dysplasia type I to rehabilitate the masticatory function. RESULTS: (i) a predisposition for an increased and accelerated bone resorption was observed in our patient, (ii) bone augmentation was successful using a mixture of allogenic graft material with autogenous bone preventing fast bone resorption, (iii) surgical planning, based on stereolithographic models and surgical templates, facilitated the accurate placement of dental implants. CONCLUSION: Bony augmentation and elaborate treatment planning is helpful for oral rehabilitation of patients with dentin dysplasia type I.

• Sinus lifting before Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy: a suitable method for oral rehabilitation of edentulous patients with skeletal class-III conditions: review of the literature and report of a case.

  Authors: Rita A Depprich, Jörg G K Handschel, Christian Naujoks, Tobias Hahn, Ulrich Meyer, Norbert R Kübler

  Head & face medicine. 02/2007; 3:2.

  BACKGROUND: Functional rehabilitation of patients afflicted with severe mandibular and maxillary alveolar atrophy might be challenging especially in malformed patients. METHODS: Treatment planningBACKGROUND: Functional rehabilitation of patients afflicted with severe mandibular and maxillary alveolar atrophy might be challenging especially in malformed patients. METHODS: Treatment planning using sinus lifting and implant placement before Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy in a patient with severe mandibular and posterior maxillary alveolar atrophy and skeletal class-III conditions due to cleft palate are described. RESULTS: A full functional and esthetic rehabilitation of the patient was achieved by a stepwise surgical approach performed through sinus lifting as the primary approach followed by implant placement and subsequent Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy to correct the maxillo-mandibular relation. CONCLUSION: Stabilisation of the maxillary complex by a sinus lifting procedure in combination with computer aided implant placement as preorthodontic planning procedure before Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy seems to be suitable in order to allow ideal oral rehabilitation especially in malformed patients.

• Prospects of micromass culture technology in tissue engineering.

  Authors: Jörg G K Handschel, Rita A Depprich, Norbert R Kübler, Hans-Peter Wiesmann, Michelle Ommerborn, Ulrich Meyer

  Head & face medicine. 02/2007; 3:4.

  Tissue engineering of bone and cartilage tissue for subsequent implantation is of growing interest in cranio- and maxillofacial surgery. Commonly it is performed by using cells coaxed with scaffolds.Tissue engineering of bone and cartilage tissue for subsequent implantation is of growing interest in cranio- and maxillofacial surgery. Commonly it is performed by using cells coaxed with scaffolds. Recently, there is a controversy concerning the use of artificial scaffolds compared to the use of a natural matrix. Therefore, new approaches called micromass technology have been invented to overcome these problems by avoiding the need for scaffolds. Technically, cells are dissociated and the dispersed cells are then reaggregated into cellular spheres. The micromass technology approach enables investigators to follow tissue formation from single cell sources to organised spheres in a controlled environment. Thus, the inherent fundamentals of tissue engineering are better revealed. Additionally, as the newly formed tissue is devoid of an artificial material, it resembles more closely the in vivo situation. The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into the fundamentals and the technique of micromass cell culture used to study bone tissue engineering.

• Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of the mandible: review of the literature and report of a rare case.

  Authors: Jörg GK Handschel, Rita A Depprich, André C Zimmermann, Stefan Braunstein, Norbert R Kübler

  Head & face medicine. 09/2005; 1:3.

  Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a rare odontogenic tumor which is often misdiagnosed as odontogenic cyst. To acquire additional information about AOT, all reports regarding AOT and cited inAdenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a rare odontogenic tumor which is often misdiagnosed as odontogenic cyst. To acquire additional information about AOT, all reports regarding AOT and cited in "pubmed" since 1990 onward were reviewed. AOT accounts for about 1% until 9% of all odontogenic tumors. It is predominantly found in young and female patients, located more often in the maxilla in most cases associated with an uneruppted permanent tooth. For radiological diagnose the intraoral periapical radiograph seems to be more useful than panoramic. However, AOT frequently resemble other odontogenic lesions such as dentigerous cysts or ameloblastoma. Immunohistochemically AOT is characterized by positive reactions with certain cytokeratins. Treatment is conservative and the prognosis is excellent. For illustration a rare case of an AOT in the mandible is presented.

• Therapies most frequently used for the management of bruxism by a sample of German dentists

  Authors: Michelle A. Ommerborn, Jalleh Taghavi, Preeti Singh, Joerg Handschel, Rita A. Depprich, Wolfgang H.M. Raab

  The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

  Statement of problemAt present, there is little information available on how practicing dentists manage bruxism patients with respect to conservative, reversible techniques as compared toStatement of problemAt present, there is little information available on how practicing dentists manage bruxism patients with respect to conservative, reversible techniques as compared to irreversible techniques.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the most commonly applied therapies used for the management of bruxism by German general dentists (GDs) and dental specialists. In addition, efforts were made to gather information on the knowledge and opinion of GDs and specialists regarding the role of occlusal interferences, in particular, on the development of sleep bruxism.Material and methodsA 13-item questionnaire was developed and mailed to all active members of the statutory dental insurance providers of the German North Rhine (n=5500; 2006 roster) and the German Westphalia-Lippe area (n=4984; 2006 roster). Group differences were statistically analyzed using chi-square tests for the qualitative variables and Mann-Whitney U tests for the quantitative variables (α=.05).ResultsOcclusal splints were by far the most frequently prescribed therapy for the management of bruxism, followed by relaxation techniques, occlusal equilibration, physiotherapy, and prosthodontic reconstruction. The occlusal stabilization splint with canine protected articulation was the splint type most often prescribed, whereas respondents used unadjusted soft splints for approximately 8% of their bruxism patients. Comparison of the opinions of all responding practicing dentists with that of experts in regard to the statement that “sleep bruxism is caused by occlusal interferences” showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (P=.021). Eighty-five percent of the experts disagreed with this statement, and only 47.7% of the practicing dentists had the same opinion as the experts.ConclusionsMost practicing dentists seem to concur with current scientific recommendations, and express the opinion that the management of bruxism should predominantly be conservative and reversible; however, the findings of the present survey reveal diverse differences between GDs and dental specialists concerning the most frequently prescribed therapies. Moreover, the discrepancies detected in some areas, such as the use of irreversible techniques or the use of unadjusted soft splints, emphasize the need to more promptly transfer new knowledge in the field of bruxism from researchers to practicing dentists. (J Prosthet Dent 2011;105:194-202)

• Comparison of prevalence of microorganisms on titanium and silicone/polymethyl methacrylate obturators used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects

  Authors: Rita A. Depprich, Jorg G. Handschel, Ulrich Meyer, Guido Meissner

  The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

  Statement of problemSilicone or polymethyl methacrylate obturators, used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects, bear the risk of an enhanced settlement of microorganisms and, therefore, impose theStatement of problemSilicone or polymethyl methacrylate obturators, used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects, bear the risk of an enhanced settlement of microorganisms and, therefore, impose the risk of local or systemic infections. Titanium-based obturators offer favorable characteristics in contrast to polymer-based protheses in terms of microbial biofilm formation.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of microorganisms on titanium and silicone/PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) obturators used for rehabilitation of maxillary defects.Material and methodsThe obturators of 36 patients (17 titanium based, 19 polymer based) who underwent maxillectomy due to malignancy were evaluated. Microbiological specimens from obturator surfaces, the adjacent mucous surfaces, and the interior of polymer-based obturators were obtained with a sterile swab. Microbiological analysis was performed using conventional methods, including microscopy and culture, on several agar media. For statistical data analysis, Fisher's exact test (FT) (α=.05) and odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) were used.ResultsPolymer-based obturators showed a significantly higher quantitative and qualitative presence of nonphysiological microorganisms compared to titanium obturators. There is a significant risk (factor 1.4) for the penetration of bacteria to the depths of polymer-based obturators, especially if the surface is contaminated by pathological bacteria (P=.02).ConclusionsThe use of titanium-based obturators for the oral rehabilitation of postmaxillectomy patients significantly reduces the risk of infections with pathogenic oral microorganisms and, therefore, may protect patients from local oral or systemic infections. (J Prosthet Dent 2008;99:400-405)

• Evidence-based evaluation of publications on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

  Authors: Christian Naujoks, Christian Gerges, Ulrich Meyer, Sahar Fazeli, Rita A Depprich, Norbert R Kübler, Jörg Handschel

  In vivo (Athens, Greece). 25(6):923-8.

  The performed study gives a literature review of preclinical and clinical publications on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, an overview of the clinical application of theseThe performed study gives a literature review of preclinical and clinical publications on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, an overview of the clinical application of these processes is given. The literature research was based on different electronic media, e.g. Medline of the National Library of Medicine. The quality assessment of this study was performed by standardized, evidence-based criteria. Studies were analyzed regarding the clinical area of application, organ systems, tissue types, level of evidence, cell types and release date. Since 1989, the number of publications in the field of tissue engineering has increased dramatically. The articles deal predominantly with three tissues (skin, bone or cartilage). Even if the number of clinical studies is increasing, there is still a lack of clinical studies with a high level of evidence. The research has moved from preclinical research to the field of applied medicine. There is a need for strategically planned clinical trials to establish clinical guidelines for this field.

• Nonvascularized iliac bone grafts for mandibular reconstruction--requirements and limitations.

  Authors: Jörg Handschel, Hirama Hassanyar, Rita A Depprich, Michelle A Ommerborn, Karl Christoph Sproll, Matthias Hofer, Norbert R Kübler, Christian Naujoks

  In vivo (Athens, Greece). 25(5):795-9.

  Treatment of intraoral malignant tumors often leads to continuity defects of the mandible. Whereas the use of free vascularised flaps has shortcomings regarding donor site morbidity and aTreatment of intraoral malignant tumors often leads to continuity defects of the mandible. Whereas the use of free vascularised flaps has shortcomings regarding donor site morbidity and a worse-fitting bone geometry, the nonvascularized iliac crest graft could be an alternative option. The purpose of this study was to describe the treatment outcome with nonvascularized iliac crest grafts over a 10-year period and to determine possible limitations of their use. Eighty-four patients with bicortical nonvascularized iliac crest grafts for mandibular reconstruction were examined at least one year after reconstruction. Patients' records and the radiological and/or surgical data were analyzed. Sixty-three patients (75%) showed complete healing, in 20 patients the treatment was not successful and in one patient the treatment result was unclear. Interestingly, comparing the successfully and the unsuccessfully treated patients, only the irradiation dose played a crucial role. Neither defect length nor defect localisation, nor time interval between resection and reconstruction were statistically significant parameters in graft success. Comparing only patients with malignancies, the non-irradiated patients had a higher success rate (77.3%). The nonvaslcularized iliac crest graft seems to be a reasonably reliable treatment option for reconstruction of mandibular defects up to about 5-6 cm in size. Radiotherapy is a strong confounder reducing the success rate. Necessary constraints are sufficient soft tissue conditions. However, primary reconstruction by free flaps (e.g. fibula flap) has a higher success rate in literature and should be preferred whenever possible.