PURPOSE：To compare the osteogenic potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) from innervated iliac graft bone flap and traditional one for reconstructing mandibular defects. METHODS：Graft bone marrow samples were harvested 1 year after free vascularized iliac reconstruction of mandibular defects, with or without innervation through simultaneous nerve anastomosis. BMMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. Colony forming units-fibrosis observation, Brdu incorporation assay, population doubling, Alizarin red staining for in vitro calcified nodule formation and in vivo assay of subcutaneous osteogenesis in nude mice were used to detect BMMSCs proliferation, self-renewal and osteogenic differentiation capabilities, respectively. SPSS 24.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS：Colony formation, proliferation, population doubling and osteogenic differentiation abilities of BMMSCs from innervated group were significantly higher than those from non-innervated group（P<0.05）. CONCLUSIONS：Simultaneous innervation of free vascularized iliac during reconstruction of mandibular defects may maintain self-renewal and osteogenic differentiation potentials of BMMSCs in graft bones, thereby maintaining bone homeostasis and reducing postoperative graft bone resorption.