Reconstruction of the middle third of mandible

Fracture of the radial donor site after composite free flap harvest: a ten-year review

The options for donor sites as a source of tissue for free vascularised osteocutaneous flaps are numerous, however, the radial forearm still has an important role. This series reports the largest published record of radial donor site fracture following the harvesting of osteocutaneous radial forearm free flaps used for reconstruction after ablative surgery for malignant disease. The relevant literature is reviewed. A retrospective review of cases treated using these flaps from 1991-2000 (inclusive) is carried out. Factors involved in the aetiology of fractures are discussed. Thirteen fractures are identified from seventy one osteocutaneous flaps (18%). A statistically significant majority of fractures occur in females. Limiting the percentage of radius diameter harvested is important and beveling of the osteotomy cuts may be advantageous in minimising weakening. Prophylactic plating of the donor site, particularly in the female patient, should be actively considered. The earlier the fracture occurs in the post-operative period, the more likely the need for operative intervention.

Oromandibular reconstruction with the radial-forearm osteocutaneous flap: experience with 60 consecutive cases

One of the more difficult problems in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck is replacement of bone and soft tissue lost because of injury, osteomyelitis, or malignancy. The radial-forearm osteocutaneous flap is an accepted choice for oromandibular reconstruction. This study was undertaken to review one center's experience with 60 consecutive cases of oromandibular reconstruction with the radial-forearm osteocutaneous flap. Records of the 38 men and 22 women (mean age, 60 years; range, 26 to 86 years) were reviewed for tumor location, defect and bone length, flap failure rate, recipient- and donor-site complications, length of surgery, and hospital stay. Cancer resection was the reason for 97 percent of reconstructions; 33 percent of flaps were used to reconstruct a lateral defect of the mandible, 40 percent a lateral-central defect, and 27 percent a lateral-central-lateral defect. Mean skin flap size was 55 cm2 (range, 15 to 117 cm2) and mean bone length, 9.4 cm (range, 5 to 14 cm). The microvascular success rate was 98.3 percent. Complications included fracture of the donor radius (15 percent), nonunion of the mandible (5 percent), and hematoma (8.3 percent). These results are comparable to results reported in the literature with other radial forearm flaps. The free radial osteocutaneous flap is a safe and reliable choice for mandibular reconstruction. It offers sufficient bone to reconstruct large defects and can provide adequate pedicle length for vessel anastomosis to the contralateral side of the neck. The above attributes make the radial forearm osteocutaneous flap one of the "first line" flap choices for oromandibular reconstruction.

Osteosynthetic titanium mini-plate fixation of composite radial forearm flaps in mandibular reconstruction

This paper describes the evolution and refinement, over a four-year period, of a simple technique for shaping and stabilising the bony component of a composite radial forearm free flap to reconstruct the mandible following segmental resection for neoplastic disease. The results of reconstruction in 30 consecutive patients are reported. The current method of adapting and stabilising the radial bony strut using a specially designed 32 hole osteosynthetic miniplate is described.

Progress in free tissue transfer

The development of microsurgical techniques has supplied plastic surgery with a new chance to transfer tissue to nearly any recipient site of the body. Classical methods still have their value but also their limits in many circumstances. Free tissue transfer has proved its advantages, especially in covering defects in the lower extremity; but microsurgical flaps also gain ground in reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, the female breast, the abdominal wall, and the hands. This article will survey well-classified microsurgical flaps, their indications, and their limits. In addition to a description of skin, fasciocutaneous, septocutaneous, and musculocutaneous flaps, we also include the latest detailed knowledge of free transfer of muscles, vascularized tendons, nerves, bones, and even joints, digits, and jejunal transfer. An outlook toward new perspectives with so-called prefabricated flaps will also be discussed.

Mandibular reconstruction using vascularised fibula

The osteocutaneous fibula flap has been used to reconstruct large segments of mandible in cases following ablation for cancer or radionecrosis. The bone can be cut to the appropriate shape and the fasciocutaneous flap may be used simultaneously to provide oral cavity lining or skin cover. The technique is described and its successful use in seven patients is reported with details of the complications encountered.

Mandibular reconstruction with subsequent denture implantation

A 23-year-old female patient with ameloblastoma on the right side of the mandible is presented. The affected mandible was excised and reconstructed with a free vascularised scapular bone graft followed by dental reconstruction with an artificial dental root. This is a preliminary report and the benefits of the procedure are discussed.