1. Several conditions occurring in childhood may produce a unilateral shortening of the mandible, giving a deformity very similar in appearance to that found in ankylosis, but without limitation of motion of the jaw. Among these conditions are osteomyelitis and necrosis, fractures, and operative removal of a section of the mandible for tumor.
2. Marked improvement in function and appearance can be made by preliminary osteotomy or division of scar tissue to bring the chin forward and to the midline, followed by restoration of continuity by bone grafting.
3. The two most suitable forms of bone graft for the mandible are the osteoperiosteal graft from the tibia and the thick graft from the crest of the ilium.