Mandibular reconstruction: are two flaps better than one?

This study compared the combined iliac and ulnar forearm flaps with the osteomusculocutaneous fibular free flap for mandibular reconstruction. A retrospective study of 40 patients who had oromandibular reconstruction was performed, of whom 23 patients had a combined iliac crest without skin and ulnar forearm free flap. Seventeen patients had an osteomusculocutaneous free fibular flap. Ten women and 30 men with a mean age of 57.5 years comprised this study population. Ninety percent of the cases were squamous cell carcinoma (55%, T4), of which 11% were recurrent tumors. Anterolateral mandibular defects constituted 52.9% of the fibular reconstructions and 60.9% accounted for the iliac/ulnar reconstructions. The mean bone gaps were 8.79 cm and 8.95 cm respectively. Functional evaluation was based on the University of Washington Questionnaire through phone calls and personal communication. The mean hospital stay was 15.43 days and 10.09 days for the fibular and iliac/ulnar flaps respectively. The facial artery (64.7%) and facial vein (60%) were the main recipient vessels for the fibular reconstructions whereas the external carotid artery (95.6%) and the internal jugular vein (66.7%) were the main recipient vessels for the iliac/ulnar reconstruction. Overall flap survival was 96.8% (100% of fibular flaps and 95.65% of iliac/ulnar flaps). Two flaps were lost in the iliac/ulnar series because of unsalvageable venous thrombosis. Local complications for the iliac/ulnar flaps were 30.4% but were 5.9% for the fibular reconstructions. Function such as speech, swallowing, and chewing were notably better in the fibular than the iliac/ulnar group in 23 of the patients tested. The cosmetic acceptance of 77.8% of the fibular flaps was judged to be excellent and good, whereas 71.4% of the iliac/ulnar flaps were rated good. It appears that within this study population the free osteomusculocutaneous fibular flap had fewer local complications and a higher flap survival rate than the combined iliac/ulnar forearm flaps. Overall functional outcome was also improved. The use of the double flap may be appropriate in massive oromandibular defects, but may be less appropriate in more modest functional reconstructions of mandibular defects.     

Medial malleolus and deltoid ligament reconstruction in open ankle fractures with combination of vascularized fibular head osteo‐tendinous flap and free flap transfers

Treatment of the traumatic bone and soft tissue defect of the medial ankle is a challenge in reconstructive orthopedic surgery. In this report, we described a novel reconstruction procedure for the medial malleolus reconstruction using microsurgical transfer of the fibular head osteo‐tendinous flap combined with a free latissimus dorsi flap (free LD flap) or a free anterolateral thigh flap (free ALT flap) in six patients. The sizes of the wounds ranged from 10 × 8 cm to 24 × 10 cm, and the sizes of the LD and ALT flaps were from 12 × 9 cm to 24 × 12 cm. All transplants survived. Five patients had primary wound healing. One patient had fibular graft and soft tissue infection that caused delayed healing. On average 4 months after surgery, all patients were able to stand and walk without crutch assistance. With a mean follow‐up of 3.5 years (range, 1–5 years), all patients achieved stable ankles and were satisfied with the range of motion with excellent American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society functional scores (>85). The fibular head resembles the medial malleolus in morphology. Vascularized fibular head transfer combined with a free flap provides satisfactory results for complex medial malleolus reconstruction. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

腓骨复合瓣游离移植修复下颌骨缺损

目的　总结应用游离腓骨复合瓣修复下颌骨缺损的经验。方法　 1999年 6月～ 2 0 0 0年 11月对5 8例应用腓骨复合瓣游离移植修复下颌骨缺损的病例作回顾性研究 ,其中男 37例 ,女 2 1例。年龄 12～ 6 5岁 ,平均4 0 .9岁。分析下颌骨缺损原因 ,分析腓骨瓣设计、受区血管、组织瓣成活情况及术后并发症的发生情况。结果　 5 8例中 5 2例为肿瘤切除术后修复 ,其中 4 3例为一期修复 ,9例为二期修复。采用游离腓骨复合骨瓣的腓骨长度 4～2 1cm ,平均 11.4 cm ;腓骨的截骨为 1～ 4次数 ,平均 2 .1次 ;骨瓣带皮岛最大范围 12 cm× 8cm,最小 3.0 cm×1.5 cm。术后游离腓骨瓣的临床成功率为 96 .6 % (5 6 /5 8) ,失败 2例。受供区并发症主要为血肿、积液、创口感染和腺瘘 ,有 4例为植皮坏死和创口感染 ,发生率为 2 4 .1% ,但不影响效果。结论　游离腓骨瓣在修复下颌骨缺损中具有操作灵活 ,安全可靠 ,制备简便 ,并发症少 ,可以满足各种类型下颌骨缺损修复的需要     

Redefining the vascular anatomy of the peroneus brevis muscle flap

The peroneus brevis flap can be used as either proximally or distally based flap for coverage of small to medium‐sized defects in the lower leg. The purpose of this study was to clarify the vascular anatomy of the peroneus brevis muscle. An anatomical dissection was performed on 17 fixed adult cadaver lower legs. Altogether, 87 segmental branches (mean 5.1 ± 1.6 per leg) either from the fibular or anterior tibial artery to the muscle were identified. Sixty‐two were branches from the fibular artery (mean 3.4 ± 1.1 per fibular artery), whereas 25 (mean 1.4 ± 0.9 per anterior tibial artery) originated from the anterior tibial artery. The distance between the most distal vascular branch and the malleolar tip averaged 4.3 ± 0.6 cm. An axial vascular bundle to the muscle could be identified in all cadavers; in one leg two axial supplying vessels were found. Their average length was 5.5 ± 2.4 cm and the average arterial diameter was 1.1 ± 0.5 mm, the average venous diameter was 1.54 ± 0.7 mm. The constant blood supply to the peroneus brevis muscle by segmental branches from the fibular and tibial artery make this muscle a viable option for proximally or distally pedicled flap transfer. The location of the most proximal and distal branches to the muscle and conclusively the pivot points for flap transfer could be determined. Furthermore, a constant proximal axial vascular pedicle to the muscle may enlarge the clinical applications. Perfusion studies should be conducted to confirm these findings. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:39–44, 2015.     

Twelve-year experience in mandibular reconstruction using osteo-muscular dorsal scapular pedicled flaps

Primary mandibular reconstruction after tumor removal or osteoradionecrosis treatment is a standard procedure. The most common reconstruction techniques are fibula, scapula, and iliac crest free flaps. Nevertheless, all patients are not eligible for microsurgery.In this study, we assess 12 years of mandibular reconstruction using an osteo-muscular dorsal scapular pedicled flap (OMDS). We included 40 patients operated on using an OMDS flap. We collected parameters such as length of hospital stay, recurrence risk, and need for secondary flap for oral cutaneous fistula (OCF) treatment. Flap bone volume was assessed by segmenting the scapula on postoperative CT-scans using dedicated software.Forty patients were included. Indications for OMDS flaps were severe cardiovascular history (27%), preoperative radiotherapy with a radiation neck and potentially unreliable blood vessel sutures (20%), previous fibula free flap failure (15%), and patient refusing free tissue transfer (8%). Aside from these medical indications, OMDS flaps were performed in 30% of cases due to organizational concerns. The mean flap length was 73±16 mm, with a maximum of 109 mm. Flap bone volume was stable over time, with negligible resorption (p = 0.761). Secondary pedicled flaps were used to treat OCF in 5 patients (12%). Secondary esthetic procedures were performed in 9 patients (22%). None of the 40 flaps were removed. None of the patients had long-term scarring complications in donor sites.OMDS flaps merit consideration for mandibular reconstruction when free tissue transfer is contraindicated or impossible due to organizational issues.     

Skin grafted latissimus dorsi flap for reconstruction of lateral aesthetic units of the face

Reconstruction of large defects of the lateral region of the face is rather challenging due to the unique color, texture, and thickness of soft tissues in this area. Microsurgical free flaps represent the gold standard, providing superior functional and aesthetic restoration. Purpose of this study was to assess reliability of skin‐grafted latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, for a pleasant and symmetric reconstruction of the lateral aesthetic units of the face compared to a control group of patients addressed to perforator flaps. From November 2008 to June 2012, 5 patients underwent skin‐grafted LD flap reconstruction of defects involving the lateral aesthetic units of the face, with 8.1 ± 0.5 × 9.7 ± 1.3 cm mean size. A 1‐to‐4 Likert scale was used to assess skin color, texture, shape, and bulkiness. Using the Pressure‐Specified Sensory Device epicritic, proprioceptive, and protopathic sensitivities were tested. Outcomes were compared with those of a control group of 5 patients addressed to reconstruction with perforator flaps (3 anterolateral thigh flap, 2 vertical deep inferior perforator flap). At mean 21‐month follow‐up all flaps healed uneventfully without need for revisions, all developing more satisfactory results in terms of skin color (P = 0.028) and texture (P = 0.021) match, shape (P = 0.047) and bulkiness (P = 0.012) compared with perforator flaps. No differences in epicritic, proprioceptive, and protopathic sensitivities were observed (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Skin‐grafted LD flap may be a suitable option for reconstruction of wide defects of the lateral aesthetic units of the face. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:177–182, 2015.     

Mandibular reconstruction with free osteofasciocutaneous fibula flap: a 10 years experience

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the free osteofasciocutaneous fibular flap in mandible reconstruction in 23 patients. We reviewed their clinical records and asked the subjects to answer a questionnaire, as well as to attend our hospital for a clinical and radiological examination. The mean follow up was 1.3 years. In 15 patients, the flap was used for contemporaneous intraoral mucosal and extraoral cutaneous reconstruction. In seven cases, bilateral mandibular reconstruction was performed. Skin paddle edge necrosis was observed in seven flaps postoperatively, however, no total flap loss resulted. No additional soft-tissue flap was needed since the fibular flap harvested held an extended skin paddle reaching up to 352 cm(2). The donor-site morbidity was moderate and furthermore most of the patients were satisfied with their functional and aesthetic result. The free osteofasciocutaneous fibular flap is the best possible therapy for the demanding reconstruction of the mandible. The fibular bony part is a safe foundation for the placement of osseointegrated implants which further improves the patient's quality of life.     

Oromandibular reconstruction for oncological purposes

The authors compared different vascularized bone grafts in 15 patients with different oncological diagnoses that were treated with hemimandibulectomy in 9 patients, total mandibulectomy in 1 patient, resection of the mandible involving the anterior arch and the symphysis in 3 patients, 1 patient who underwent a segmental mandibular resection, and 1 patient in whom the entire hemimandible was reconstructed because of mandibular hypoplasia diagnosed during the resection of a parotid neoplasm. The flaps used included fibular free flaps in 11 patients, iliac crest in 3 patients, and a radial forearm osteocutaneous flap in 1 patient. Two patients had major complications and 1 patient experienced recurrence of the primary tumor. The fibular free flap was the preferred method in this series due to the size of the defect, which in most patients did not require extensive soft-tissue reconstruction, and due to the nature of the bone defect involving the symphysis and condyle in 9 patients. The different vascularized bone grafts provided adequate osseous and soft tissue for oromandibular reconstruction.     

Reconstruction of large composite buccal defects using single soft tissue flap—analysis of functional outcome

Resection of advanced gingivo‐buccal tumors results in a posterolateral mandibular and large soft tissue defect. Because of large soft tissue requirement, these defects are difficult to reconstruct using a single osteocutaneous flap. A double free flap reconstruction of such defects is recommended. However, double flap may not be feasible in certain situations. In this study, we objectively evaluated functional and cosmetic outcomes following single soft‐tissue flap reconstruction in a group of patients where double flap reconstruction was not feasible. Patient and defect characteristics were obtained from charts. The speech and swallowing functions of patients were prospectively assessed by a dedicated therapist. The cosmetic outcome of reconstruction was evaluated by an independent observer. Fifty‐six patients with large soft tissue and segmental posterolateral mandible defect, reconstructed with anterolateral thigh or pectoralis major flap from May 2009 till December 2010 were included. In this series, none of the flaps were lost; two patients with pectoralis major flap developed partial skin paddle loss. Most of the patients developed mandibular drift; however, majority of these patients had no postoperative trismus. All patients resumed regular or soft solid oral diet. The mean speech intelligibility was more than 70%. Majority of patients had satisfactory cosmetic outcome. The defects were classified into regions resected to develop a reconstruction algorithm for optimal reconstruction using a free or pedicle flap. In conclusion, patients with large oro‐mandibular defect undergoing single soft tissue flap reconstruction have satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

应用游离腓骨组织瓣修复口腔肿瘤切除后下颌骨缺损

目的探讨应用游离腓骨组织瓣修复口腔肿瘤切除后下颌骨缺损的临床疗效。方法回顾分析接受游离腓骨组织瓣修复口腔肿瘤切除后下颌骨缺损的临床资料15例。其中下颌骨造釉细胞瘤5例，下颌骨纤维肉瘤2例。颌下腺腺样囊性癌3例，颌下腺粘液表皮样癌2例，口底黏膜高分化鳞癌3例。单纯腓骨骨瓣修复10例，腓骨骨皮瓣修复5例。结果14例腓骨瓣成活，生长良好，1例腓骨骨皮瓣因术后发生血循环危象，经抢救无效而坏死。结论游离腓骨组织瓣修复口腔肿瘤切除后下颌骨缺损可较好地恢复容貌和口腔功能，提高了患者的生存质量。     

Use of the internal mammary vessels as recipient vessels for an omental flap in head and neck reconstruction

The availability of reliable recipient vessels for free flap transfer in head and neck reconstruction may be limited in cases of prior neck dissection or radiation therapy. One solution is to use the internal mammary vessels as recipients for a free omental flap. Five patients were treated with free omental flap transfer using the internal mammary vessels as recipient vessels during head and neck reconstruction. Two patients presented with a pharyngocutaneous fistula, 1 had mandibular osteomyelitis, 1 had primary esophageal cancer, and 1 had bilateral cervical radiation ulcers. All patients had received radiation therapy previously (average dose, 75.4 Gy), and 4 had undergone neck dissection (3 bilateral and 1 ipsilateral). All patients were reconstructed using a free omental flap. Four patients had a second free flap combined with the free omental flap (3 free jejunal flaps and 1 free fibular osteocutaneous flap). The mean follow-up was 26.4 months. All free flaps took entirely, the only complication ileus requiring reoperation in 1 patient. The internal mammary vessels are reliable recipient vessels for a free omental flap in head and neck reconstruction. This procedure is a good option for patients in whom previous surgery or radiation therapy has compromised local recipient vessels.     

Reconstructive indications of simultaneous double free flaps in the head and neck: A case series and literature review

Extensive and complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical and functional subunits are a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the reconstructive indications of the use of simultaneous double free flaps in head and neck oncological surgery. This is a retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of head and neck malignancies treated surgically with resection and reconstruction with simultaneous use of double free flaps. Nineteen of 21 patients had T4 primary tumor stage. Eleven patients had prior history of radiotherapy or chemo‐radiotherapy. Forty‐two free flaps were used in these patients. The predominant combination was that of free fibula osteo‐cutaneous flap with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) fascio‐cutaneous flap. The indications of the simultaneous use of double free flaps can be broadly classified as: (a) large oro‐mandibular bone and soft tissue defects (n = 13), (b) large oro‐mandibular soft tissue defects (n = 4), (c) complex skull‐base defects (n = 2), and (d) dynamic total tongue reconstruction (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 95%. Median follow‐up period was 11 months. Twelve patients were alive and free of disease at the end of the follow‐up. Eighteen of 19 patients with oro‐mandibular and glossectomy defects were able to resume an oral diet within two months while one patient remained gastrostomy dependant till his death due to disease not related to cancer. This patient had a combination of free fibula flap with free ALT flap, for an extensive oro‐mandibular defect. The associated large defect involving the tongue accounted for the swallowing difficulty. Simultaneous use of double free flap aided the reconstruction in certain large complex defects after head and neck oncologic resections. Such combination permits better complex multiaxial subunit reconstruction. An algorithm for choice of flap combination for the appropriate indications is proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.     

应用吻合血管的骨肌皮瓣修复下颌骨放射性骨坏死

目的探讨下颌骨放射性骨坏死所致颌面部组织缺损的修复手段。方法对下颌骨放射性骨坏死行死骨扩大切除术，同期用吻合血管的骨肌(皮)瓣移植修复颌面部组织缺损。共有髂骨肌皮瓣9例、髂骨肌瓣串联前臂皮瓣5例、腓骨肌皮瓣5例以及腓骨肌瓣串联前臂皮瓣1例修复20例下颌骨骨坏死。结果临床随访1～5年，除1例髂骨肌皮瓣坏死外其余均正常成活。吻合血管的骨肌皮瓣移植成功率达95％。结论下颌骨放射性骨坏死应行死骨扩大切除术，同期用吻合血管的骨肌(皮)瓣移植可以有效修复手术所致的颌面部组织缺损。     

Is distal fibular fracture an absolute contraindication to free fibular flap harvesting? Areview of evidence in the literature and illustration by a successful case

Despite the advantages of a fibula flap, many surgeons would often be hesitant in its use in patients with a history of distal fibular fracture. The chief concern is the potential vascular damage sustained during the injury. From our experience, however, we noticed that the blood supply of various components of a fibula flap rarely relies on its distal part alone. Avoiding the use of this flap may unnecessarily forgo the optimal reconstructive option in many patients. Free fibula flap was harvested from a 41‐year‐old man who had a history of left fibula fracture 10 years before surgery. The fracture was treated with open reduction with internal fixation. The plate was removed 1 year after the trauma surgery. We used this fractured and healed fibula to reconstruct the intraoral and mandibular defect after tumor extirpation. The harvesting process was straight‐forward and the flap survived uneventfully. On the basis of our experience and current evidence in the literature, we believe that a history of previous fibular fracture should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for free fibular flap harvesting. With a good knowledge of the lower limb anatomy and appropriate patient selection, the fibular flap can still be a safe option that incurs no additional risk. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:60–63, 2015.     

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.     

Extended locoregional use of intercostal artery perforator propeller flaps

Besides conventional flaps, intercostal artery perforator flaps have been reported to cover trunk defects. In this report the use of anterior intercostal artery perforator (AICAP) flap, lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap and dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) flap for thoracic, abdominal, cervical, lumbar and sacral defects with larger dimensions and extended indications beyond the reported literature were reevaluated. Thirty‐nine patients underwent surgery between August 2012 and August 2014. The age of the patients ranged between 16 and 79 with a mean of 49 years. The distribution of defects were as follows; 12 thoracic, 8 parascapular, 3 cervical, 8 abdominal, 4 sacral and 4 lumbar. AICAP, LICAP and DICAP flaps were used for reconstruction. Fifty‐two ICAP flaps were performed on 39 patients. Flap dimensions ranged between 6 × 9 cm and 14 × 35 cm. Twenty‐six patients had single flap coverage and 13 patients had double flap coverage. Forty‐six flaps have been transferred as propeller flaps and 6 flaps have been transferred as perforator plus flap. Forty flaps (75%) went through transient venous congestion. In one DICAP flap, 30% of flap was lost. No infection, hematoma or seroma were observed in any patient. Follow‐up period ranged between 3 and 32 months with a mean of 9 months. The ICAP flaps provide reliable and versatile options in reconstructive surgery and can be used for challenging defects in trunk.     

Reconstruction of severely infected gluteal osteoradionecrosis using negative‐pressure wound therapy and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps

Radiotherapy is mandatory for aggressive cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the high‐energy radiation used can lead to severe osteoradionecrosis. Radical debridement of devitalized bone and soft tissue coupled with reconstruction using well‐vascularized tissues is the accepted treatment for this condition. However, osteoradionecrosis cannot be controlled easily or rapidly. The aim of this study was to present the results of the use of serial negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in combination with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for treatment of gluteal osteoradionecrosis in a consecutive series of patients. Between January 2003 and December 2012, nine patients underwent reconstruction using serial NPWT and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. We applied negative‐pressure dressings for at least 8 weeks. Final reconstruction was performed after the infection was controlled. The superior gluteal artery and vein were used as recipient vessels in all the cases. The mean interval between operation and radiation therapy was 28.3 ± 8.3 years, and the mean number of debridement performed was 6.3 ± 1. NPWT dressings were applied for 8–12 weeks (mean, 9.3 ± 2 weeks). The defects ranged in size from 14 × 8 cm to 18 × 15 cm. The flap size ranged from 15 × 10 cm to 18 × 15 cm. All flaps survived uneventfully except in one patient who experienced chronic seroma and wound dehiscence. There were no recurrences of osteomyelitis during the follow‐up periods (mean, 14 ± 6.1 months). Based on the results obtained from this consecutive series of patients, we suggest that this methodology may provide an alternative approach for the treatment of severe osteoradionecrosis of the gluteal region. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:29–36, 2016.     

Soft tissue coverage of mandibular reconstruction plates

Free tissue transfer was compared to pectoralis major flap coverage of mandibular reconstruction plates in a retrospective review. The study group consisted of 14 patients whose composite defects were reconstructed with metal plates covered with either pectoralis flaps (9) or soft tissue free flaps (5). Four patients in the pectoralis group (44%) had plates that extruded compared to none in the free flap group. The mean operating room time for the free flap group (721 minutes) was longer than the pectoralis group (550 minutes), but the overall hospital stay for the free flap group (20 days) was half that of the pectoralis group (39 days). The pectoralis group required more secondary procedures (88%) than the free flap group (20%). Free flaps have a higher success rate, a shorter hospital stay, and require fewer additional procedures than do pectoralis flaps. This justifies the longer operating time and greater technical complexity of free tissue transfer for reliable coverage of mandibular reconstruction plates. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Free-tissue transfers for reconstruction of oromandibular area in children

Introduction: Currently, free‐tissue transfers are commonly used for various reconstructive purposes in adults. However, there is a lack of large series of free flap reconstruction in children, especially for reconstruction of oromandibular defects. Our study aims to share our experience in free‐flap reconstruction of some challenging pediatric cases. Materials and methods: Pediatric free‐flap interventions (<18‐year‐old) that were performed between 2000 and 2006 in our clinic were retrospectively evaluated. Eighteen free‐tissue transfers were performed in 17 pediatric cases. Epidemiologic data, etiology, defects, preferred free flaps, and results have been compared and analyzed. Results: A total of 17 patients (18 free flaps) were analyzed. Mean age was 10.4 years. The etiology was tumor in 11 cases, traffic accident in 5 cases, and gunshot in 1 case. Double‐flap transfer was performed to one patient with a devastating shotgun wound and single flap transfers to others. A total of 8 osseous flaps, 7 osteocutaneous flaps, and 3 septocutaneous flaps were transferred. Total superficial flap necrosis was encountered in one flap (5.8%) while partial superficial necrosis was seen on two flaps (11.7%). Sixteen of the 17 cases reconstructed, including the three cases with complications, resulted in good functional and cosmetic outcome. One case was lost in the sixth postoperative month due to septisemia during chemotherapy. All the surviving 16 cases acquired bony fusion, mastication, and speech in addition to good cosmetic results. Conclusion: Pediatric free‐tissue transfers are increasing due to the development of better equipment, finer surgical technique, and a better understanding of the unique characteristics of pediatric cases. In our opinion, high success rates with good cosmetic and functional results can be obtained if the specific requirements of the pediatric procedures are met. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.     

Mandibular reconstruction in children

Facial deformities due to loss of mandibular segments in children lead to severe functional and psychological disturbances. Such deformities should be corrected taking into account both contour and function. In addition, they should be planned for long-term growth and performed in the fewest possible surgical stages. This article presents the experience in seven cases of mandibular reconstruction in children after surgical ablation for benign conditions. We performed a scapular flap in one case and fibular flaps in six. The mean age of the patients was 9.1 years. Follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 5 years. All flaps survived. No osseous remodeling was needed in any case. All patients showed symmetrical facial and mandibular growth, as well as adequate masticatory function. Excision of the tumor and reconstruction should be carried out in the same surgical procedure whenever possible. The fibula was used in most cases because of its easy dissection, the ample amount of bone it provides, and the potential to redirect it. The author favors mandibular reconstruction in children with a free flap, as this approach offers adequate form and function in the long term.