The treatment of oromandibular defects following oncological resections is an important task for reconstructive surgeons. The mandible is one of the most important structures of the head and neck, both functionally and cosmetically, contributing to the facial contour, chewing, speech and swallowing. Currently, the fibula free flap is the first choice for the majority of oromandibular reconstructions. It provides sufficient bone length for reconstruction, even after wide jaw resections. The quality of the fibular bone transferred and its rich periosteal blood supply makes it very safe and useful. Pedicle length and vessel diameter facilitate the microsurgical transfer, with low incidence of complete flap failure. The long-term donor site morbidity is acceptable in most patients after harvesting a fibula flap. In addition, the fibula provides adequate bone width and height to support osseointegrated implants that serve for functional reconstruction and to support overdentures that enable the patient to function properly. In this paper, we report a case of non-contiguous bilateral mandibular segment reconstruction following oncological resection with a single free fibula transplant.
Bilateral mandibular reconstruction with a single vascularised fibula flap: A case report
Copelli C.;
2008-01-01
Abstract
The treatment of oromandibular defects following oncological resections is an important task for reconstructive surgeons. The mandible is one of the most important structures of the head and neck, both functionally and cosmetically, contributing to the facial contour, chewing, speech and swallowing. Currently, the fibula free flap is the first choice for the majority of oromandibular reconstructions. It provides sufficient bone length for reconstruction, even after wide jaw resections. The quality of the fibular bone transferred and its rich periosteal blood supply makes it very safe and useful. Pedicle length and vessel diameter facilitate the microsurgical transfer, with low incidence of complete flap failure. The long-term donor site morbidity is acceptable in most patients after harvesting a fibula flap. In addition, the fibula provides adequate bone width and height to support osseointegrated implants that serve for functional reconstruction and to support overdentures that enable the patient to function properly. In this paper, we report a case of non-contiguous bilateral mandibular segment reconstruction following oncological resection with a single free fibula transplant.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
