Extending the Cordeiro maxillofacial defect classification system for use in the era of vascularized composite transplantation.

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the use of vascularized composite transplantation to reconstruct major facial and craniofacial deformities. This phenomenon is driven both by the success of recent transplantations to functionally and aesthetically restore patients and by an increase in the number of centers entering this challenging field. The authors' new classification system, based on a well-established schema, allows proper documentation of the needs of these patients and enhancement of interinstitutional communication for outcomes reporting.