Reconstruction of bony mandibular and maxillary defects with one single transfer of a free fibula osteocutaneous flap.

One-stage bone reconstruction of both the maxilla and the mandible with a single bone transfer is unusual in microsurgery. The authors report and describe the surgical technique of an original one-stage bone reconstruction of the maxilla and the mandible in a defect caused by a gunshot injury. The reconstruction was performed with a free fibular osteocutaneous flap. A concomitant maxillo-mandibular defect is uncommon. Gunshot injuries and tumours are the two main causes of this defect. The reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects can be a surgical challenge. The reconstruction was performed in one stage with the free transfer of a fibular osteocutaneous flap.     

Donor side selection in mandibular reconstruction using a free fibular osteocutaneous flap

While the free fibular osteocutaneous flap is indispensable for mandibular reconstruction, reliable setting is often difficult because relative positions of the bone, skin island, and vascular pedicle are critical. We have an algorithm for donor-side selection of free fibular osteocutaneous flap.From July 2002 to March 2004, we performed 15 mandibular reconstructions using free fibular osteocutaneous flaps. We retrospectively classified these procedures as follows. In type I (flap harvested ipsilaterally to defect, n = 5), the skin island was fixed to the oral cavity, and the vascular pedicle emerged from the anterior aspect of the fibula. In type II (flap contralateral to defect, n = 5), the skin island was fixed to the oral cavity, and the vascular pedicle arose from the posterior aspect. In type III (flap contralateral to defect, n = 4), the skin island was fixed to the facial skin and the vascular pedicle arose from the anterior aspect. In type IV (flap ipsilateral to defect, n = 1), the skin island was fixed to the facial skin and the vascular pedicle arose from the posterior aspect. Flaps took completely except in 1 group II case with partial necrosis. Close attention to geometric characteristics of a free fibular osteocutaneous flap facilitates reconstruction of mandibular defects and selection of donor side.     

Simultaneous maxillary and mandibular reconstruction with a single Osteocutaneous fibula free flap: A description of three cases

Large defects that comprise both the maxilla and mandible prove to be difficult reconstructive endeavors and commonly require two free tissue transfers. Three cases are presented to discuss an option for simultaneous reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects using a single osteocutaneous fibula free flap. The first case describes a 16‐year‐old male with a history of extensive facial trauma sustained in a boat propeller accident resulting in a class IId maxillary and 5 cm mandibular defect status post three failed reconstructive surgeries; the second, a 33‐year‐old male with recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma of the muscles of mastication with resultant hemi‐mandibulectomy and class IId maxillary defects; and lastly, a 48‐year‐old male presenting after a failed scapular free flap to reconstruct defects resulting from a self‐inflicted gunshot wound, which included a 5 cm defect of the right mandibular body and 4.5 cm defect of the inferior maxillary bone. In all cases, a single osteocutaneous fibula free flap was used in two bone segments; one to obturate the maxillary defect and restore alveolar bone and the other to reconstruct the mandibular defect. The most recent patient was able to undergo implantable dental rehabilitation. Postoperatively, the free flaps were viable and masticatory function was restored in all patients during a follow‐up range of 2–4 years.     

Complex oncologic reconstruction of a mandibular and floor of mouth defect with a fibula free flap in an achondroplastic patient

The fibular free flap is seen as one of the foremost technical options in mandibular reconstruction, especially in those defects where long bone is required. Cases with squamous-cell carcinoma of the floor of the mouth with mandibular spread and subsequent segmentary mandibular removal are the cornerstone examples. A case of squamous-cell carcinoma of the whole floor of the mouth with mandibular invasion is reported. Radical resection of the floor of the mouth and bilateral mandibular horizontal ramus was performed, with a bony defect extending from angle to angle. The patient revealed an achondroplastic condition, with remarkable dwarfism and long-bone morphological alterations, that minimized the potential fibular length to transfer. A microsurgical reconstruction with an osteocutaneous fibular free flap was undertaken. The flap design was technically compromised by the forward bowing of the fibula and the ossification of the interosseous membrane. Specific intraoperative strategies for dealing with anatomic variations are discussed. The fibular free flap is an excellent technique for mandibular reconstruction. Morphological deviations can modify the design of the flap. Achondroplasia is not a deterrent in successful use of the free fibula flap for reconstruction of the head and neck in adequately selected cases.     

Combined free fibular osteocutaneous-lateral calcaneal fasciocutaneous flap for reconstruction of composite oromandibular defects

The free fibular osteocutaneous flap is often used in the reconstruction of composite oromandibular defects. In contrast, the lateral calcaneal flap has never been used in oromandibular reconstruction. On the basis of their anatomic continuity, the authors combined the free fibular osteocutaneous flap with the lateral calcaneal skin paddle to obtain 2 adjoining flaps in different anatomic areas with the same vascular axis. The authors report their experience in 3 patients with composite oromandibular defects. In 1 patient without an outer skin defect, only a sensory lateral calcaneal skin paddle with a fibular osseus flap was harvested. The lateral calcaneal flap carried the sural nerve as a sensory flap in 2 patients, and the result was passable. Only 1 patient encountered superficial flap tip necrosis at the lateral calcaneal skin paddle, and recovered well after wound care. In conclusion, a flap with many specific features is a feasible choice for reconstruction of composite oromandibular defects.     

血管化游离腓骨肌皮瓣重建下颌骨缺损

目的：总结游离腓骨肌皮瓣修复下颌骨缺损的经验。方法：对25例应用游离腓骨肌皮瓣行下颌骨缺损修复的病例进行临床分析,探讨不同类型下颌骨缺损,所采用腓骨肌皮瓣的设计,复合组织瓣的成活情况及术后并发症的发生情况。结果：本组25例患者游离腓骨肌皮瓣成活率100%,最长的腓骨为16cm,分为三段者3例,两段者20例。结论：血管化的游离腓骨肌皮瓣修复下颌骨缺损血供丰富、抗感染力强、骨愈合快、塑形好、成活率高。     

腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣修复颌面缺损

目的 探讨腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣修复口腔颌面软、硬组织缺损的临床疗效.方法 以腓动、静脉为血管蒂腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣进行颌面部软、硬组织缺损修复,腓骨用于修复颌骨缺损,小腿外侧皮瓣主要用于修复口底、牙龈、咽侧、颊以及腭部的软组织缺损.结果 2005年3月至2007年3月,共治疗26例,其中修复恶性肿瘤术后缺损25例,双侧上颌骨缺失1例.术中组织瓣制备顺利,没有出现伤及腓骨血管以及小腿外侧皮瓣的穿支血管的现象.所有移植组织瓣全部成活.其中有1例术后12 h出现吻合动脉危象,经抢救成活;1例术后24 h出现静脉吻合危象,静脉血栓形成,经手术探查,重新吻合静脉后,抢救成功.术后随访6个月至2年,修复区外形满意,患者能从事正常的社会活动.结论 腓骨瓣联合小腿外侧皮瓣修复口腔颌面部复合组织缺损效果较好.可作为首选方法.     

Mandibular reconstruction using osteocutaneous radial forearm flap

Objective: To describe the use of radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap in complex mandibular reconstruction. Study Design: A case series. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 1998 to January 2008. Methodology: Patients having a small bony component and a large soft tissue mandibular defect requiring reconstruction were selected. These defects include composite through-and-through defects of the cheek in the retromolar trigone, small lateral bony defects with large intra and extra oral soft tissue defects and small central bony defects with large extra oral tissue loss. Radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap was employed. Complications and graft acceptance were determined at follow-up. Results: Patients were followed-up for an average period of 28 months. Complications occurred in 8 patients. Wound infection and partial wound dehiscence were the most common complication observed in 3 patients. Non-union at recipient site was seen in 2 patients. Flap donor site healed uneventfully in all patients with no fractures at the donor site. Conclusion: The radial forearm osteocutaneous flap covers oromandibular defects with large intra-oral and extra oral soft tissue losses. Lateral and anterior mandibular defects were reconstructed satisfactorily in our series.     

急诊组织瓣移植(位)修复伴有严重血管损伤的上肢复杂性组织缺损

目的 介绍急诊组织瓣移植或移位一期修复伴有严重血管损伤的上肢复杂性组织缺损的手术疗效.方法 对10例伴有严重血管损伤的上肢复杂性组织缺损的患者,在修复血管重建肢体血运的同时,根据组织缺损需要采用皮瓣、肌皮瓣、骨皮瓣甚至组织瓣组合移植的方法急诊进行一期修复.其中上臂肱动、静脉长段缺损,合并肱二头肌及上臂内侧大面积皮肤缺损,血管修复后背阔肌皮瓣移位覆盖创面并重建屈肘功能3例;肘部血管损伤合并肘关节周围大面积皮肤撕脱缺损,血管修复后移植胸脐皮瓣覆盖创面2例;前臂尺、桡动脉损伤合并皮肤肌肉缺损,血管修复后移植股前外侧皮瓣覆盖创面3例;前臂尺桡动脉损伤并尺桡骨缺损,血管修复后移植腓骨皮瓣重建尺骨缺损,二期再移植腓骨皮瓣重建桡骨缺损1例;前臂尺、桡动脉损伤合并桡骨及大面积皮肤缺损,血管修复后股前外侧皮瓣加髂骨皮瓣组合移植1例.结果 术后10例患肢及移位组织瓣全部存活.术后随访3～6个月,3例上臂损伤患者,肘关节最大屈曲度为105,屈肘肌力为M_3～M_4地,手功能恢复基本正常;肘及前臂损伤的7例患者,肢体及移植皮瓣完全存活,骨皮瓣和腕部已达骨性愈合,并恢复部分手功能.结论 对严重血管损伤且合并有复杂组织缺损的上肢损伤,急诊在施行血管修复重建肢体血运的同时,采用组织瓣单独或组合移植一期有效覆盖创面,可提高复杂性患肢的成活率,并为二期功能重建术提供良好的软组织条件.     

吻合血管的腓骨瓣移植一期重建双侧下颌骨

目的探讨下颌骨巨大肿瘤截骨切除后应用游离腓骨复合组织瓣一期重建双侧下颌骨方法和疗效。方法2000年7月至2002年10月,分别对波及双侧下颌骨的4例巨大成釉细胞瘤、2例牙龈癌施行截骨切除,手术造成跨中线的双侧下颌骨巨大缺损。根据下颌骨缺损的特点,以腓动静脉为血管蒂切取腓骨肌(皮)瓣,经截骨塑形后,用微形钛板将移植骨与双侧下颌骨残端坚固内固定,腓动、静脉与颈部小血管吻合,形成血管化腓骨复合组织瓣一期重建双侧下颌骨。结果6例移植腓骨复合组织瓣全部成活。随访6个月-2年,面下部外形恢复良好,移植腓骨与上颌骨相对位置正常,接受活动义齿修复后咬合关系和咀嚼功能均较满意。结论腓骨复合组织瓣节段性的骨膜供血和骨髓滋养动脉的双重供血特点十分适合塑造成下颌骨的弓状形态,是修复下颌骨巨大肿瘤导致的跨中线双侧下颌骨巨大缺损的理想材料。     

Dorsalis pedis free flap in oromandibular reconstruction

This paper reports the free dorsalis pedis flap as a fasciocutaneous and osteocutaneous flap in oromandibular reconstruction. The authors present a 7-year series of nine patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity with extensive soft tissue/soft tissue and bone defect in whom this flap was used for intraoral reconstruction. The free fasciocutaneous flap (two neurosensate) was used in eight patients, and in one patient, a free osteocutaneous flap was required. The follow-up period ranged from 2 and 7 years. No ischemic flap complications occurred and a good anatomical and functional reconstruction was achieved in the majority of patients. There was no significant donor area functional disability. One death occurred in the early post-operative period due to multi-organic failure and four deaths in the follow-up period due to recurrence of the oncological disease. The dorsalis pedis free flap was found to be a good alternative tool for reconstruction of the anterior floor of mouth defects (including marginal mandibular defects). This was also used for anterolateral intraoral soft tissue defects. The donor area morbidity is not problem-free, but with good planning and careful flap dissection, it is possible to minimize the sequelae to a very acceptable level.     

Fibular free flap with arteria peronea magna: the role of preoperative balloon occlusion

The free fibular osteocutaneous flap is a commonly used donor for reconstruction of mandibular defects. Vascular abnormalities and leg trauma are relative contraindications to the use of a fibular free flap. Peroneal arteria magna (PAM) is one such vascular abnormality that may preclude the use of the graft due to the high risk of lower-limb ischemia. Lower-limb angiography is the standard for assessing the lower-limb vascular anatomy; however, the indications remain controversial. Although balloon occlusion has been used to assess the vascular supply in distal bypass surgery, there have no reported cases of balloon occlusion to assess the viability of the distal extremity with PAM. Intraoperative assessment of vascular anatomy with an aborted harvest can lead to significant morbidity and cost. Balloon occlusion provides a relatively safe and minimally invasive technique for assessment of potential lower-limb ischemia in patients with PAM.     

游离腓骨(皮)瓣移植修复上肢长段骨缺损

目的 探讨游离腓骨(皮)瓣移植修复上肢长段骨缺损的临床应用及效果.方法 自2000年6月至2010年12月,应用游离腓骨骨瓣修复上肢长段骨缺损12例,其中携带皮瓣4例.男11例,女1例;年龄19～ 55岁,平均35岁.修复肱骨缺损2例,尺骨缺损6例,桡骨缺损4例.腓骨瓣切取范围1.5 cm× 2.0 cm～ 12.0 cm× 16.0 cm,腓骨移植长度6.0～ 20.0 cm.结果 12例均成功并获得随访,随访时间平均2年5个月.4例携带皮瓣全部存活;创面Ⅰ期愈合11例,Ⅱ期愈合1例,愈合时间12～18 d;腓骨移植骨愈合时间3～6个月,平均4个月.应用Enneking上肢功能标准评分为22～29分,平均27分;供区无功能障碍.结论 游离腓骨(皮)瓣移植修复上肢长段骨缺损可一期完成骨缺损修复,且可同时解决软组织缺损.虽难度大、风险高,但仍是一种很理想的治疗方法.     

Reconstruction of the middle and lower face with three simultaneous free flaps: combined use of bilateral fibular flaps for maxillomandibular reconstruction

A 23-year-old man sustained massive maxillofacial destruction from a close-range, high-velocity gunshot injury. The devastating nature of the injury led to extensive soft-tissue and bone loss involving nearly the total middle and lower portions of his face, including the deeper anatomic structures. Reconstruction of this extraordinarily extensive and three-dimensional defect was accomplished by simultaneous transfer of three free flaps during one session. A specially designed radial forearm flap replaced the internal lining and external cover of the nose, a large fibular osteocutaneous flap restored the lower face, and a second fibular osteocutaneous flap harvested from the other leg restored the midface. The second fibular flap was revascularized by combining it with the first one in a flow-through manner, and its pedicle vessels were anastomosed to the distal ends of the vessels of the first flap. Dorsal nasal reconstruction with an expanded paramedian forehead flap, commissurotomy, and intraoral flap debulking were additional procedures performed to improve cosmetic and functional outcome during the following 1-year period. Along with a radial forearm flap, combined use of bilateral osteocutaneous fibular flaps provided simultaneous, single-stage reconstruction of a huge facial defect involving both the lower and middle face with an acceptable result.     

Scapular free flap for repair of massive lower facial composite defects

The scapular osteocutaneous free flap provides excellent tissue for reconstruction of massive lower facial defects. Five cases of full-thickness cheek and lip defects associated with mandibular loss were successfully repaired with sandwiched osteocutaneous scapular flaps plus a parascapular or latissimus dorsi flap. In two instances the osteocutaneous scapular flap was harvested along with a parascapular skin paddle. The other three patients had latissimus dorsi myocutaneous units taken with the scapular osteocutaneous flap from the same subscapular pedicle.     

Reconstruction of the cervical spine with two osteocutaneous fibular flap after radiotherapy and resection of osteoclastoma : a case report

Transfer of a vascularised free fibular bone for reconstruction of the cervical spine has been described previously.(1-4) However, this is the first report of a reconstruction with both an osteocutaneous fibular flap for anterior stabilisation and a double-islanded osteocutaneous fibular flap for posterior stability. We present a case of an osteoclastoma in C2 initially treated with radiotherapy 1.8 Gy × 30. Two months after radiotherapy, the patient developed severe osteoradionecrosis and luxation of C2 causing neurological impairment. The patient was treated with cervical traction for 10 days. Resection of C2 was performed through a posterior approach and a secondary transoral approach. The spine was stabilised from a posterior approach using allografts and a titanium plate and rod construct (Vertex) from the occipital squama to C5 and from an anterior approach with allograft filled cage from C1 to C3. Two months later, rupture of the pharyngeal wall was noted with exposure of the anterior cage. A few days later, the posterior scar ruptured. The anterior cage was removed and the pharyngeal wall was sutured. Revision of the posterior wound was performed, leaving the implants in place. To secure stability of the spine, the patient was treated with a HALO. Once again, the pharyngeal wall ruptured. Reconstruction of the posterior pharyngeal wall and the anterior column of the spine was performed with an osteocutaneous fibular flap from the skull base to C3. Five months later, a computed tomography (CT) scan showed insufficient bony fusion of both anterior and posterior bone grafts, and the posterior wound had not healed. A second osteocutaneous fibular flap was placed bilaterally from the occipital squama to the posterior elements of Th1, closing the wound defect. Apart from the occipital squama, fusion was seen at all sites after 14 months, and the HALO was removed.     

Synchronous reconstruction of the floor of mouth and chin with a single skin island fibular free flap

Objectives: The goal this presentation is to: 1) Review the reconstructive options for anterior mandible through‐and‐through composite defects and 2) Instruct the audience in the application of the double‐skin paddle fibular flap in selected patients. Methods: Case presentation with review of the literature. Results: A 70‐year old male with an anterior floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma underwent composite resection that included resection of a 5‐cm ovoid component of overlying chin skin. The defect was reconstructed with a fibular osteocutaneous flap with a double skin paddle technique. Conclusions: Several reconstructive options have been described in the literature for extended oral cavity defects including the use of multiple free flaps, combinations of regional and distant flaps, and sequential reconstruction. This case report reviews the use of a single flap reconstruction of these defects for selected patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.     

Maxillary reconstruction with a double‐barrel osteocutaneous fibular flap and arteriovenous saphenous loop after a globe‐sparing total maxillectomy—A Case Report

Maxillary reconstruction using titanium mesh or bone grafts can invite unwanted complications, such as graft resorption, infection, and mesh exposure, especially for patients who require postoperative radiotherapy. Here, we reported a 58‐year‐old male patient who was diagnosed with maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma. The patient received cancer ablation by a globe‐sparing total maxillectomy and was immediately reconstructed with a double‐barrel osteocutaneous fibular flap to simultaneously restore the alveolar ridge, orbital support, and oro‐sinonasal separation. The short pedicle length inherent in the double‐barrel design of the fibular flap and the depletion of healthy recipient vessels in the midface after cancer ablation were overcome by creating an arteriovenous saphenous loop in the neck region. Though there was venous congestion on postoperative day 2, the postoperative recovery was uneventful after the revision of the venous anastomoses. During the 6‐months follow‐up, the outcome was functionally and aesthetically satisfactory. We believe that the double‐barrel fibular osteocutaneous flap, which avoids using titanium mesh and bone grafts, may be a viable reconstructive option in cancer patients with globe‐sparing total maxillectomy defects, especially for those who require postoperative radiotherapy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:334–338, 2017.     

Mandibular reconstruction with the free vascularized fibular flap: utility of three-dimensional computerized tomography

Oncologic management in the mandibular area leaves important osseous defects, that require reconstructive procedures with vascularized osseous tissues. Mandibular reconstructions with free vascularized fibular flaps have well-defined indications and some advantages over various other types of vascularized osseous grafts, because the fibular graft permits the reconstruction of large mandibular defects. This study demonstrates the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) tomography as a tool to determine the size of the defect, and with angiotomography, to define the anatomic pattern of the vascular pedicle. Five patients with varying mandibular tumors and osseous defects were evaluated with 3D tomography in the pre- and postoperative periods. Two patients were immediately reconstructed with vascularized fibular flaps. 3D preoperative tomography showed the dimensions of the tumor, the dimensions of the mandibular resection, and the graft vascular pattern. Three patients were secondarily reconstructed, two of them with partial mandibular defects, and one patient with total mandibular reconstruction. In the preoperative period, 3D tomography was used to determine the dimensions of the mandibular defect, as well as the area of the osteotomies. The technology permits an exact knowledge of the dimension of mandibular defects, allowing better planning of reconstructive procedures.     

Tensor Facia Lata-iliac crest osteocutaneous flap for orbitomaxillary reconstruction: A preliminary report

Tensor Fascia Lata muscle and musculocutaneous flap has been used in the past for reconstruction of trunk defects and also as a free flap for soft tissue reconstruction elsewhere in the body. Transferring the iliac crest along with the muscle as a free flap has been described earlier, reported for bridging calcaneal defect and small mandibular defects. The use of this flap as a source of free vascularised bone has not been widely practised since these initial few reports. Anatomical studies were carried out to assess the feasibility of using this flap for reconstructing maxillary and other head and neck defects, following which it was successfully used for these indications. The preliminary report describes the flap anatomy, method of harvest and its potential uses in head and neck reconstruction.