Enhancement of the fibula free flap by alveolar distraction for dental implant restoration: report of a case

We describe the utilization of distraction osteogenesis in the free fibular microvascular bone graft to the mandible for increasing bone height for future osseointegrated dental implants. Successful reconstruction of a resected mandible requires restoration of both function and esthetic form. Although current reconstructive techniques restore anterior-posterior and lateral projection, often the graft's vertical height is not sufficient for the placement of osseointegrated dental implants and subsequent oral prosthesis. The patient was a sixteen-year-old male who was found to have a large desmoplastic fibroma of the left mandible, which was resected. The defect was successfully restored with a free fibular microvascular bone graft and reconstruction plate. Nevertheless, the patient had persistent problems with mastication and it was decided to perform a segmental osteotomy of the neomandible. Two internal vertical distraction devices were then placed in the mandible. The appliances were then activated five days postoperative, twice a day, for a total of 14 days. At that time 1.5 cm of distraction had occurred and the patient was placed in a consolidation phase for four months. The patient then had sufficient bone height and was restored with 8 osseointegrated dental implants.     

Alveolar distraction osteogenesis of bone graft reconstructed mandible.

This case report describes a patient who had severe mandibular bony deficiency as a result of excision of aggressive central giant cell granuloma. The defect was reconstructed with iliac bone graft. Four years later vertical distraction osteogenesis was performed on the grafted mandible in order to obtain a satisfactory bony height of mandibular ridge. Distraction osteogenesis can be a good alternative for the reconstruction of mandibular deficiencies.     

Reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects by distraction osteogenesis for mandibular reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis is an established technique for the lengthening of long bones and correction of selected craniofacial deformities. Regenerate osteoid bone matrix formed during the distraction phase is malleable and can recreate the three-dimensional form of native bones. Animal experiments and early clinical experience have confirmed that distraction osteogenesis can be used for the reconstruction of segmental bony defects. Herein we discuss the principles of distraction osteogenesis in reference to reconstruction of segmental bony defects and report its clinical application of the mandible continuity defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients (age, 7-83 years) with critical segmental mandibular defects (range, 3.5 cm-6.5 cm), resulting from ablative oncologic head and neck surgery underwent primary mandibular reconstruction by transport distraction osteogenesis. Two defects were at the angle and body region, one at the body, and the other at the parasymphysis and body region. Synthes Titanium Multi-vector and Leibinger Multi-guide distractors in bifocal (n = 2) and trifocal (n = 2) architecture were used after the stabilization of the segmental continuity defect using a defect-bridging mandibular reconstruction plate. Osteodistraction was carried out at a rate of 1 mm per day, with once or twice a day rhythm, after a 1-week latency period. The consolidation period was equal to the period of distraction. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the distraction procedure. Satisfactory bone formation was observed in two patients, and partial bone formation was seen in one patient. Treatment failure was encountered in one patient who had a second oral cavity primary tumor observed during the consolidation period, requiring interruption of the treatment sequence. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular reconstruction with distraction osteogenesis is a potentially useful technique in selected patients with segmental mandibular continuity defects after ablative head and neck cancer surgery.     

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis and dental rehabilitation by osseointegrated implants. A case report]

The authors report a case of mandibular reconstruction by distraction osteogenesis. The patient presented an interrupting mandibular defect secondary to a gunshot injury. The distraction osteogenesis permitted the reconstruction of the mandible without bone grafts or flaps. The attached gingiva on the alveolar ridge was also recreated by the distraction and allowed a dental rehabilitation by osseointegrated implants.     

Experience with the prefabricated free fibula flap for reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects.

PURPOSE: We report our 11-year experience with a new technique to prefabricate the osteocutaneous free fibula flap to reconstruct defects of the maxilla and mandible not amenable to conventional methods of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We treated 11 patients aged 17 to 47 years with jaw defects using prefabricated free fibula grafts from 1994 to 2005. We prepared the fibula on the leg with a 6- to 8-mm muscle cuff; next we transferred the bone flap to the surface of the leg without severing the pedicle, and then covered the muscle almost circumferentially by partial thickness skin graft. The bone flap was left in place with its pedicle intact for 2 to 3 months, after which the skin graft had taken and the flap was free of inflammation. The fibula flap was then transferred to the face, fixed in place with plates, and microvascular anastomosis was performed. Implant placement was completed 4 to 6 months after transfer of the flap to the oral cavity. RESULTS: Graft take was unremarkable in all cases. There were no cases of infection and only minor complications. Edema of the flap may be encountered, which subsides with time. If the mandible is not edentulous the mandibular teeth may bite into the flap, but these wounds heal by the time the patient is ready for implant insertion (3 to 6 months). Implants placed in the fibula were successful during the follow-up period (2 to 13 years). CONCLUSION: The prefabricated fibula with a "banking time" on the leg for flap maturation seems to be a better choice compared with other methods of using the fibula for reconstruction and has passed the test of time. We hereby report this new technique to add to the armamentarium of jaw reconstruction surgery.     

Mandibular reconstruction using intraoral trifocal bone transport: report of a case.

On the mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection, it is easy to achieve esthetic and functional results when mandibular defect is relative small, however, it is difficult to reconstruct adequately larger defected mandible. Recently, with progress of devices, distraction osteogenesis that is the method of tissue regeneration is used as mandibular reconstruction. A 19-year-old male patient presented complaining of right lower jaw swelling. Biopsy suspected a multiple-cystic ameloblastoma in mandible. Under the general anesthesia, a mandibulectomy was performed from the right side ramus to the left side incisor. A mandibular reconstruction plate was attached to the proximal and distal bone segments. 2 types of intraoral distraction devices were placed inside the plate. These devices had 25 mm and 60 mm distraction length. After 9 days of latency, trifocal bone transport was started by 0.5 mm 2 times activation per day. After consolidation for 23 weeks, reconstruction plate and distraction devices were removed. 2.5 m x 2.0 cm iliac bone and cancellous bone were placed in the docking site with platelet rich plasma. The mandibular defect (85 mm) was reconstructed adequately using intraoral distraction osteogenesis trifocal bone transport technique. Symmetric facial balance was achieved. Now there is no recurrence and dental implants were placed on new bone.     

Severe trismus secondary to periosteal osteogenesis after fibula free flap maxillary reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Fibula free tissue transfer is routinely used for reconstruction of bony defects in the head and neck. During flap preparation, well-vascularized periosteum is left adjacent to the proximal vascular pedicle. It is known that periosteum can have significant osteogenic potential in the proper settings. Complications related to periosteal osteogenesis of a fibula free flap pedicle have not been previously reported. CASE HISTORY: A 12-year-old girl with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla underwent delayed fibula free flap reconstruction of a maxillary defect. The patient had severe trismus develop postoperatively and was found to have osteogenesis along the vascular pedicle. This bone formed a solid bridge from the maxilla to the mandible. Two resections were required, which included excision of the vascular pedicle, to eliminate further osteogenesis and resolve the patient's trismus. CONCLUSIONS: The potential for periosteal osteogenesis does exist with fibula free tissue transfer and can have significant consequences. Potential promoters of osteogenesis should be identified and if possible altered in certain clinical scenarios to prevent complications from new bone growth.     

Vertical distraction osteogenesis of fibular bone flap in reconstructed mandible

Excellent functional and aesthetic results can be achieved in mandibular reconstructions with using free fibular bone flap. However, the vertical deficiency between the reconstructed segment and the occlusal plane made dental rehabilitation impossible in some cases. We encountered this problem in our 3 patients who had mandibular reconstruction with fibular flap due to extensive bone defect result from gunshot injury. To overcome this segmental vertical distraction of the reconstructed mandible was performed. Fibular bone segments (40-70 mm) were distracted with using extraoral distraction device after a latency period of 5-7 days. The rate of distraction was 1 mm/day, and the rhythm was 4 times (4 x 0.25 mm). Distraction was continued until the desired height was achieved, and the distractor left in place for 12 weeks for bony consolidation. No minor or major complications were encountered. The increase of vertical height was between 9 and 13 mm, and it was stable during the follow-up period (7-22 months). Following the vertical distraction and vestibuloplasty operations, the dental restoration of the patients was performed with mandibular removable partial dentures.     

Major mandibular reconstruction with vascularized bone grafts: Indications and selection of donor tissue

Free vascularized bones have been shown by many specialists to exhibit specific capabilities of reconstructing a major mandibular defect and can solve problems that may be insoluble by other methods. Nevertheless, absolute indications for using vascularized bone for major mandibular reconstructions have not been sufficiently well delineated to convince people of always considering vascularized bone for major mandibular reconstructions as a first option. Based on our experience with 55 major mandibular reconstructions, we might delineate the absolute indications for using free vascularized bone for major mandibular reconstructions explicitly: (1) osteoradionecrosis of mandible or on irradiated tissue bed; (2) hemimandibular reconstruction with a free end facing the glenoid fossa; (3) long segment mandibular defect, especially across the symphysis; (4) inadequate skin or mucosal lining; (5) defects demanding sandwich reconstruction; (6) inability to obtain secure immobilization on the reconstructed unit; (7) failure of reconstruction by other methods; (8) near total mandibular reconstruction. Selection of donor tissue should be according to (1) the amount of tissue deficiencies, (2) composition of the defect, (3) design and placement of the flap, (4) irradiation on the recipient site or not, (5) which vessels to be used, (6) which flap has the appropriate vessel length (7) skin color and texture of the donor tissue, (8) how many osteotomies required to simulate the curvature of the resected mandible (9) speed of bony union, (10) feasibility of future osseointegration. We have used three kinds of vascularized bones (iliac bone, fibula, scapula). lliac bone was most frequently used, and has always been our first choice, since it can carry good quality bone, a large skin flap, and ample soft tissue. The fibula has the merit of being less bulky and good for simultaneous intraoral lining, but the contour is more rigid and the bony height is insufficient. The scapula bone is rarely used at present because of its relative inconvenience. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The value of 3-dimensional model in the reconstruction of mandibular segment defect. Observations in a clinical case

The use of autogenous bone graft in the reconstruction of mandibular defects following tumor extirpation is a reliable method for further functional rehabilitation. The exact amount of bone needed for harvesting is usually achieved by estimation of the gap and direct measuring. We present the case of a 51-years old patient referred to our clinic for a recurrent mandibular keratocyst. Besides clinical examination, the diagnosis work-up consisted of ortopantomography and computertomography (CT). Based on CT images, a graphic reconstruction of the mandible was realized and a 3D negative template of the scheduled mandibular defect was printed. The tumor was removed by a segmental resection of the mandible, while a fragment of bone tissue similar to the 3D model was harvested from the iliac crest. This bone fragment replaced the mandible defect and was fixed by means of four plates and titanium screws. No postoperative complications occurred. The pathology result confirmed the diagnosis of keratocyst. In conclusion, this method proved to be useful for precise planning of the shape and size of the graft in addition to exact placement of the graft in an acceptable prosthodontically position for future dental implant rehabilitation.     

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.     

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。     

Vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous bone grafts and platelet-enriched fibrin glue with simultaneous implant placement.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined use of autogenous bone and platelet-enriched fibrin glue as grafting material for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation with simultaneous implant placement in a canine alveolar ridge defect model. STUDY DESIGN: In 6 mongrel dogs, bilateral vertical alveolar ridge defects were created in the mandible. After 3 months of healing, 2 dental implants were placed in each defect of the mandible, creating 6-mm supra-alveolar peri-implant defects. The 2 implants per defect were subjected to surgical treatments involving either a combination of autogenous bone grafts and platelet-enriched fibrin glue, or a conventional flap procedure only (control). After a healing period of 6 months, the dogs were humanely killed for histological and histometric analyses. RESULTS: Implant placement alone produced limited vertical alveolar height (0.6 +/- 0.4 mm). However, alveolar augmentation including a combination of autogenous bone grafts and platelet-enriched fibrin glue with simultaneous implant placement resulted in alveolar ridge augmentation amounting to 4.2 +/- 1.0 mm, comprising 63% of the defect height. New bone-implant contact was 40.5% in the defects treated with combined autogenous bone grafts and platelet-enriched fibrin glue, and was 48.4% in the resident bone; this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous bone grafts and platelet-enriched fibrin glue with simultaneous implant placement might effectively increase vertical alveolar ridge height and allow for an acceptable level of osseointegration.     

Mandibular reconstruction using the double barrel fibular graft

Five patients underwent mandibular reconstruction using the double barrel fibular graft from 1989 to 1994. Bony defects ranged from 7 to 14 cm. In three patients, two skin flaps were taken with the fibular graft for composite reconstruction. In order to overcome the main disadvantage of the fibular graft, i.e., small circumference of the bone, a harvested fibula was osteotomized into several portions, folded into two parallel lengths, and fixed along the inferior border of the mandible and the alveolar ridge. The double barrel fibular graft provided more than 4-cm alveolar height without damaging bone viability. In Orientals, a fibula is approximately 1.5 cm thick, and using a single fibular strut for mandibular reconstruction may result in subsequent difficulty in wearing conventional dentures or osseointegrated implants. All patients acquired good mandibular contour and enough thickness of the alveolar ridge, and could wear a conventional denture and eat a solid diet. This procedure seems to be superior to the iliac bone graft for major mandibular reconstruction because of its length, the possibility of three-dimensional composite reconstruction, increased bone thickness, and minimal donor-site morbidity. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Simultaneous vascularized bony reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible using a single fibula: A case report

Simultaneous maxillary and mandibular reconstruction is exceedingly rare. These are complicated cases, requiring consideration of multiple variables: defect components, donor site morbidity, recipient vessels, and so forth. We describe a unique case of secondary maxillary/mandibular reconstruction in a 59‐year‐old male. The original defect was created after removal of a buccal squamous cell carcinoma, involving the external cheek skin, buccal mucosa, right mandibular body, and right inferior maxilla; a free vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap was used for the initial reconstruction. At the time of presentation to our clinic, the patient was tube‐feed‐dependent, unable to speak, and distressed regarding his appearance. We revised his reconstruction, rebuilding his maxilla and hemimandible using two free fibula flaps from a single fibula. The fibulae were vascularized via vein grafts and an ALT flap was used for external cheek resurfacing. All flaps survived and there were no complications at seven months since his surgery (when this report was written). The patient had intelligible speech and maintained adequate nutrition with a soft diet. Simultaneous vascularized bony reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible using a single fibula flap may be performed safely and with good outcomes.     

The free iliac crest and fibula flaps in vascularized oromandibular reconstruction: comparison and long-term evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A variety of free flaps have been successfully used for mandible reconstruction. This study compared the short- and long-term results of using the free iliac crest and fibula flaps. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 117 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction, 59 patients with iliac crest and 58 with free fibula. Accurate long-term functional assessment was possible in 31 cases in the iliac crest group and in 48 patients with fibular reconstruction. Anterior or combined anterolateral defects formed 72% and 64% in the iliac crest and fibula groups, respectively. The remainder were pure lateral defects. In both series, a skin paddle was included to provide either lining, skin cover, or both in 77% of the cases, whereas in 23% bone only was used. RESULTS: Complications included two perioperative deaths and three flap losses in the iliac crest group and five flap losses in the fibula group. Long-term functional and cosmetic assessment showed no statistically significant differences in oral continence (p > 0.9), speech (p = 0.57), and contour results (p = 0.80) between the two groups. However, oral deglutition was statistically significantly better in the fibula free flap group (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Although the fibula free flap is the flap of choice, the iliac crest is an excellent and reliable complementary flap for mandibular reconstruction.     

定向两次牵引成骨术在下颌骨肿瘤术后缺损修复中的应用

目的 探讨定向两次牵引成骨术在下颌骨肿瘤术后缺损修复中的应用.方法 2002年1月至2006年12月,对6例因肿瘤术后致下颌骨缺损患者,先牵引下颌骨体部,再牵引下颌骨升支部.结果 手术过程顺利,外形恢复良好,局部成骨满意,无感染等并发症.下颌骨最大体部单侧牵引幅度为5.5 cm,平均5.2 cm,升支部最大4.2 cm,平均3.4 cm.咬合及张口度恢复良好.结论 定向两次牵引成骨术用于修复肿瘤术后下颌骨缺损,创伤小、手术时间短、操作简单,并可避免植骨及由此带来的供、受区并发症,效果稳定可靠;缺点是整个治疗时间长,需3次手术.     

Free composite flaps with the fibula and their adaptation to mandibular reconstructive surgery. Apropos of 9 cases]

Although revascularized fibula bone transfers have been used in reconstructive surgery of long bones for about fifteen years, the first reported cases of mandibular reconstruction were only published in 1989 by Hidalgo. The mandible and the fibula actually have very few points in common apart from their respective length and a certain similarity of cross-section. However, free composite flaps including the fibula are adapted to reconstruction of the mandible for several reasons: the length of the bone which can be raised (25 cm) and osteotomized into several fragments; the addition of other components (skin, aponeurosis, muscle, etc.) for skin and/or mucosal repair; the spatial independence of these various elements; the microsurgical qualities of the peroneal artery. This possibility of multidirectional and multiple tissue bony mandibular reconstruction is analysed on the basis of 9 clinical cases: 5 cases of traumatic sequelae of the lower third of the face following gunshot injuries, 2 cases of radiation osteonecrosis, 2 benign bone diseases. The triple bone, integument and vascular adaptation between the fibular donor site and the recipient site must be assessed preoperatively. Due to the quality of the morphological and functional results compared with the limitations of other free composite bone transplants, the authors propose free composite fibular flaps as adapted and adaptable solutions for one-stage reconstruction of extensive mandibular defects (> 10 cm) associated with small or large mucocutaneous lesions.     

Fibula flap reconstruction of the condyle in disarticulation resections of the mandible: a case report and review of the technique.

Segmental resection of the mandible with disarticulation of the temporomandibular joint is occasionally required in the management of extensive tumors. The reconstruction of these deformities is complex, frequently involves staged procedures, and may result in significant deformity and loss of function for patients. The fibula free flap has become a standard treatment option for primary restoration of segmental mandibular deformities. However, little is published about its role in reconstructing the mandibular condyle. This paper describes a simplified technique for primary reconstruction of mandibular defects, including the mandibular condyle, in disarticulation resections of the mandible utilizing the fibula free flap.     

Vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis of the posterior edentulous mandible: a case report

When it is necessary to increase the vertical height of the residual alveolar ridge, alveolar distraction osteogenesis has numerous advantages compared to other preprosthetic surgical procedures. It is frequently used for this purpose in the anterior region because of the obvious accessibility. The authors present a clinical case of edentulous posterior mandible, with insufficient vertical alveolar bone height, treated by alveolar distraction osteogenesis leading to three titanium fixtures. They explain their choice and discuss the preliminary results.