To anyone that may know. Is it as complicated as I imagine to perform a successful mandible bone graft for a child that is missing the frontal portion in addition to teeth (will need dental implants). I was told that we can choose from bovine, cadaver, or my child's own rib if the cat scan shows it's needed to create a complete mandible that will accommodate two prosthesis.

I just wanted to leave you a hug... No wonder you feel overwhelmed!

Hi Alffe, thank you for that I needed it . A cat scan should show what is needed, but the cat scan alone is expensive. I wish there was a fund set up for those that needed medical necessities but couldn't afford them. He has had special orthodontic devices on for 6 years now in preparation for his prosthesis and perhaps bone graft. They need so many millimeters to go forwards. I don't know where I went wrong with this child either. I need money now, lots of money to pay for it all and a JOB soon. We lost our jobs and along with that went all the insurnces. We can only afford medical (Cobra) and that is $780.00 a month since I'm uninsurable due to my disease. We'll lose the house in January 09 too if I don't figure something out...scary scary scary times ....Panic attack city.

Hi Hola,

Any surgical procedure in children is complicated especially in areas that still have alot of growing yet to do. The timing of the surgery is important and the expertise of the surgeon doing this exact procedure is equally important. The outcome can be quite successful and he can function and live a very normal life afterwards.

He has already been through alot with the 6 years of ortho manipulating his jaw forward but as you say he has a ways to go yet. As for the type of bone that is used for the grafting...... bovine, cadaver or his own bone will tend to integrate with the already present jaw bone a little quicker than graft material derived from a synthetic material. Of course to use his own bone means he'll have an additional surgerized area, but the area will heal completely. Bone graft from bovine or cadaver sources generally have the possibility of rejection more so than when the bone is harvested from the patients own body. Although there are strict regulations about sterility when harvesting bone graft material from bovine and cadaver sources, there is still a risk of contamination which is almost non existent when harvesting from the actual patient. The surgeon can tell you which bone would be best suited for your son's particular situation.

What is the name of the anomaly that your son has? Is he healthy in general?

I too wish there was a resource for people like yourself who need quality medical help or assistance to continue treatment for your child. The ortho and surgery your child will need is totally unaffordable to most people without the assistance of health coverage. How do you plan on doing it?

Please know that everyone will undoubtedly keep you and your family in their prayers. We are here to listen and we will hold you up when your emotions feel like jello..........someone will pop in and give you a bug hug.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Bryanna ~'.'~

Hi, sorry for the delay in responding back as life has been unusually hectic and I became very ill. The pediatrician said none of his needs will be covered by the insurance and that is odd I think since the mandible is part of the body And no one gave me a diagnosis of any type, although I contacted UCLA and Shriner's yet no response. I'll have to have my surgery, heal in due time and win the lottery to take care of his needs. It's going to be unbelievably difficult to get this done for him. He has his second set of braces on for 4 plus years now, which was supposed to be 1 year. The mm's are not enough yet and differing springs, expansion brackets etc... are being placed onto his lower mandible in preparation for the other surgeries and tests to take place. The only thing I need now is tons of money and my health back to get this done. I won't be online much as my surgery is around the corner and life is just plain annoying lately trying to get things done with my multiple sclerosis legs and fatigue. Hopefully 2009 will bring promise and hope and miracles to many of us that really need it.