Objective: To describe vertical distraction osteogenesis of a scapular flap and removable lip support for oral rehabilitation after surgical creation of an ablative defect of the mandible.
Case report: A 70-year-old man who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the left lower gingiva underwent segmental mandibulectomy for tumor ablation and reconstruction with a scapular bone flap. To augment bone height of this flap, vertical distraction osteogenesis was performed. After denture fabrication, a removable lip support was placed between the implant-supported denture and the lower lip.
Results: The bone height of the scapular bone flap increased by 9 mm. Implants with adequate length could be placed in the distracted bone. The lip support was effective. Two years after masticatory loading, the implants remained stable.
Conclusion: Vertical distraction osteogenesis of the scapular bone flap was suitable to facilitate postoperative functional and esthetic restoration after tumor resection. A removable lip support was also useful as a supplementary tool for oral rehabilitation.