Call for CMF experts—Development of a Core Outcome Set (COS) for Mandibular Reconstruction after Mandibulectomy

The AO CMF Research Commission (RC) is pleased to announce a research initiative dedicated to the development of a Core Outcome Set (COS) for mandibular reconstruction after mandibulectomy. This project reflects the AO CMF RC’s commitment to advancing high-quality, standardised, and clinically relevant research within the AO CMF network.

The project is supported by AO CMF RC and AO ITC and is conducted as a co-production between AO CMF, AO ITC, and the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS), Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Background and aim of the project

Despite numerous studies and publications, no structured and standardized manner to collect outcomes in patients with mandibular reconstruction after mandibulectomy currently exists. 

Consequently, accurate data collection is impeded, leading to various problems with the assessment of treatment effectiveness across protocols and with effective benchmarking worldwide. In order to enhance progress and innovation in the field of mandible reconstruction, the establishment of a Core Outcome Set (COS) is essential.

Therefore, the aim of the project is to establish a COS for mandibular reconstruction after mandibulectomy, including the optimal type and timing of standardized outcome measures. Future implementation of this COS will facilitate data collection, benchmarking and other comparisons between patients, centers and countries.

Call for Steering Group Members

The AO CMF Research Commission invites applications from experts to join the project Steering Group.

Eligibility

For this project we are recruiting experts in the field of mandibular reconstruction after mandibulectomy for a Steering Group (expert panel). 

Applicants should have:

• Expertise in one or more of the following fields: Head and Neck surgery, OMFS, ENT-surgery, Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, Maxillofacial prosthodontics, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Head and Neck nurse (specialist), physiotherapy, dietary or speech therapy. 
• A minimum of 5 years working experience in the field.

Please note that not all applicants can be selected; the final composition of the Steering Group will be based on expertise, discipline balance and global representation.

Benefits of participation

Participation in the Steering Group provides the opportunity to:

• Contribute to advancing knowledge and practice for mandibular reconstruction
• Collaborate with leading experts in the field
• Shape future clinical research and practice

The results will be shared, providing valuable insights that can inform both clinical and research applications. Additionally, those who complete all rounds will be listed as co-authors in any resulting manuscript submitted for publication. We believe your experience and insights would make a significant contribution to shaping the future of mandibular reconstruction. We sincerely hope you will consider contributing to this project.

Time Commitment

• 2026: Three online meetings (~1 hour each)
• 2027: Two online meetings (~1 hour each)

For 2026, 3 online calls will take place, in 2027 another 2 are planned. During these calls, different steps of the COS development according to the Delphi method will be made.

• Before the calls, questionnaires will be sent out per mail.  
• During the calls, responses on the questionnaires are presented and discussed. 
• After the calls, minutes of the meeting, possible finalizing questionnaires and the main conclusions that are necessary for further development of the COS set will be circulated as well.

When is the Set available?

After the COS set is complete by the end of 2027, the set will be implemented in different centers for data collection and further refinement of the set.

The Steering Group will be chaired by Dr. Brend Jonker, Head & Neck surgeon and Dr. Saranda Ombashi, COS expert, who will co-supervise the project, both appointed at Erasmus MC Rotterdam. Staff of AO ITC is heavily involved in the process of the Delphi method, writing the literature reviews and management around the questionnaires and calls.

We look forward to your participation!

If you are an expert working in the field of mandibular reconstruction and want to help us in developing a Core Outcome Set we kindly ask you to get in touch with us! The deadline for applications is Sunday April 5, 2026.

Expression of interest

Experts interested in contributing to this AO CMF RC-supported project are kindly invited to submit:

• A brief statement of interest
• A short CV (not more than one A4 page).