Mandibular reconstruction: bone graft techniques

Results of treatment in a series of 60 patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction by a variety of methods are reported. Delayed reconstruction was performed, using a titanium mesh tray with cancellous bone fragments and block bone grafts removed from the iliac crest, rib, and mandible in 34 patients, with an overall success rate of 91%. Immediate reconstruction was performed with a wire mesh prosthesis containing particulate bone and composite flaps in 26 patients, with an overall success rate of 46%. Oral contamination of the graft at the time of surgery appeared to be the factor limiting the success of immediate mandibular reconstruction. Block grafts of bone were extremely reliable in reconstituting the continuity of the mandible when inserted through an extraoral approach as a delayed repair. Mandibular reconstruction was successfully accomplished even following high-dose radiotherapy.     

Knee joint reconstruction after hemiarticular resection using pedicled patella and vascularized fibular graft

Between 1999 and 2005, seven patients had resection of tumors around the knee joint that involved half of the articular surface of the femoral or tibial side. Average age of the patients was 28 years (range, 14–40). Tumor pathology was giant cell tumor in four patients, osteoblastoma in two, and benign fibrous histocytoma in one patient. Two patients had recurrent tumors. The tumor was located in the distal femur in five patients and in the proximal tibia in the remaining two. The ipsilateral patella pedicled on the infrapatellar fat pad was used to substitute the resected articular surface and a vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap was used to reconstruct the metaphyseal defect. Average follow‐up period was 6.5 years (range, 3.5–10 years). All flaps survived. Average time to bone union was 3.5 months (range, 3–4 months), and average time to full weight‐bearing was 5 months (range, 4–6 months). No radiological signs of avascular necrosis of the patella were observed in any patient. Two patients required secondary procedures for correction of instability. One patient had local recurrence. At final follow‐up, the median range of knee motion was from 10° to 100°. The average Knee Society Score (KSS) was 76 points (range; 50–85 points), and the average KSS functional score was 76.6 points (range, 70–90 points). In conclusion, the procedure is a reliable option for after resection of tumors that involve half the articular surface of the femur or the tibia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:603–607, 2010.     

Distal fibular reconstruction with pedicled vascularized fibular head graft: a case report

We present an original technique for reconstruction of the distal fibula after tumor resection. The case report was of a 13-year old boy suffering from an osteogenic sarcoma of the distal fibula. Pedicled vascularized epiphyseal transfer using the ipsilateral proximal fibula was performed. Results were assessed at 2 years and 6 months and provided good stability and normal functional outcome of the ankle.     

Mandibular reconstruction by "simple" bone graft

In a series of 20 consecutive cases of mandibular reconstruction by simple bone grafting, 14 cases had a satisfactory outcome. The technique is relatively quick and simple. If the more complicated, lengthier procedures of vascularised bone grafting are used, it should be demonstrated with tetracycline labelling or early technetium 99M phosphate scanning that these grafts are contributing to immediate and active healing and are not just "taking" as simple bone grafts.     

Mandibular reconstruction using AO plates

The AO plate represents an acceptable reconstructive choice for mandibular defects, with an 86.7 percent success rate demonstrated in this series. Because this method utilizes an alloplast which is precisely and quickly applied, virtually all patients requiring mandibular resection can be considered candidates for reconstruction. Adequate vascularized soft tissue coverage is essential to prevent plate extrusion and fistula formation. This is even more important for radiated patients. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap provides muscle and skin for large anterior defects. Frequently, lateral defects can be closed primarily without using regional flaps. We suggest bone reconstruction to avoid potential plate fracture and to allow placement of functional dentures. Resections in elderly patients and for palliation will result in ideal cosmetic and functional results with the plate alone. If we exclude the four patients reconstructed with calcium hydroxyapatite and the AO plate, the morbidity rate is quite acceptable. With this group excluded, only four fistulas and eight plate exposures occurred. Only four plate removals were required to achieve wound closure. Evaluation of the titanium plate is in progress. It is hoped that better osseous and soft tissue integration will help to decrease wound complications. A large prospective review of postoperative radiotherapy patients using the new titanium plate has been designed to address this issue. The therapeutic choice between the AO plate and free vascularized bone graft reconstruction remains. The decision process is dependent on the technical skills of the surgeon, the treatment plan, the survival characteristics of the tumor, and the physiologic condition of the patient.     

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.     

Anterior cervical fusion using the free vascularized fibular graft

A free vascularized fibular graft with microvascular anastomoses was applied to six clinical cases of anterior cervical fusion for cervical spondylosis with myelopathy (two patients) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with myelopathy in four. The numbers of levels fused were three in five patients, and two in one. Their follow-up period ranged from 14 to 42 months (mean, 26 months). Union of the graft occurred between 2.5 and 5 months (mean, 3.4 months) postoperatively. There were no nonunions nor any serious complications. This technique is indicated for multilevel intervertebral fusion in which the nonunion or delayed union rate with conventional bone grafting may be high.     

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.     

Salvage reconstruction with vascularized fibular strut graft fusion using posterior approach in the treatment of severe spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN: One case is reported in which a failed anterior fusion for Grade 4 spondylolisthesis was treated with a vascularized fibular strut graft using a posterior approach. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the applicability of this technique for salvage cases or patients with systemic conditions that may decrease the success of more standard techniques. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical stabilization of spondylolisthesis through posterior approach with a fibular strut graft has been previously described. A vascularized strut graft can be used in the treatment of spondylolisthesis and may have applicability in those patients with underlying disease that may impair the use of more standard techniques or in salvage reconstruction. METHODS: With the patient under general anesthesia, through a posterior approach S1 and L4 were decompressed. The fibula with its vascularity intact was harvested and anastomosed with the superior gluteal artery and vein. The fibular strut was placed into the space formed by reaming between L5 and S1. Ilial autograft was used to augment the posterior fusion. After the procedure the patient was placed in a hip spica cast. RESULTS: At the 2-year follow-up the patient has incorporation of the graft, with no evidence of fracture and no significant progression of anterior slip. CONCLUSION: A vascularized fibular strut graft is a feasible alternative in the treatment of severe spondylolisthesis. No complications were encountered in the involved patient. Future application may include salvage reconstruction of failed arthrodesis or in individuals with systemic conditions that may impair graft incorporation using more standard techniques.     

Tibial reconstruction using a non-vascularised fibular transfer

A non-vascularised contralateral fibular transfer was performed on seven patients with non-union of the tibia and a sclerosed segmental bone defect following injury. The average follow-up was 2.7 years with a minimum of 2 years. The operation was successful in achieving fracture union in six patients, with an average time to union of 4.5 months (range: 3-6). Shortening of up to 2.4 cm was found in two patients and mild residual ankle stiffness in one. This procedure is successful and simple when compared to microvascular and Ilizarov techniques.     

Mandibular reconstruction in children using the vascularized fibula

In this study, the authors review their experience with vascularized fibula transfers for mandibular reconstruction in children. They outline the indications for such reconstruction, their method of contouring the fibula to accurately resemble the resected mandible, reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint, and the use of vascularized muscle for the management of associated soft-tissue deficiencies. Ten consecutive patients, 5 to 17 years of age and undergoing this procedure, were assessed from a medical, dental, radiographic, and photographic standpoint. The fibulae were elevated via a lateral approach, osteotomized, as required, and fixation was achieved with titanium miniplates and screws. All transfers survived, with viability confirmed by early postoperative bone scanning. Five patients had temporomandibular joint reconstruction, and five patients required simultaneous reconstruction of soft-tissue defects with associated vascularized muscle. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 30 months The occlusion of the remaining dentition, mandibular symmetry and projection, adequacy of lining and skin cover, and maximal mouth opening were reassessed. Occlusion was class 1 in all patients, and free-flap stability and function were in the normal range. However, soft-tissue contour was a problem. All wounds healed primarily without donor-site complications and with minimal recipient-site complications.     

One-bone forearm reconstruction using vascularized fibular graft for massive forearm soft-tissue and bone defect: case report

The authors report a case of recurrent malignant fibrous histiocytoma with extensive bone- and soft-tissue involvement, successfully treated with one-bone forearm reconstruction using a vascularized fibular graft and multiple tendon transfer. Twenty-four months after surgery, elbow and hand functions were maintained, and the patient had no disturbance of hand function in daily activity, although rotation of the forearm was sacrificed. No local recurrence or metastasis was noted. The procedure is a useful reconstructive option for complex tissue defects following wide excision of sarcoma of the forearm.     

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.     

Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the wrist: reconstruction with a vascularized fibular graft

A case of spontaneous staphylococcus arthritis of the wrist with associated carpal and distal radius osteomyelitis is reported. Following sequential debridements and a 6-week course of parenteral antibiotics, an extensive defect was bridged with a vascularized fibular autograft to achieve a successful fusion. There was no donor site morbidity or recurrent infection. Follow-up radiographs 41 months later demonstrated complete incorporation and hypertrophy of the graft.     

Free vascularized fibular graft

A case of severe bone and soft-tissue injury of the anterior side of the lower leg is presented. Extent of loss of the tibia was 20 cm. Loss of tibia was covered with free vascularized fibular graft extended to 26 cm, which appears to be the longest ever reported. Repair was successful.     

Biological reconstruction after excision, irradiation and reimplantation of diaphyseal tibial tumours using an ipsilateral vascularised fibular graft

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of 15 patients (mean age 13.6 years (7?to 25)) with a primary sarcoma of the tibial diaphysis who had undergone excision of the affected segment that was then irradiated (90?Gy) and reimplanted with an ipsilateral vascularised fibular graft within it. The mean follow-up was 57 months (22 to 99). The mean time to full weight-bearing was 23 weeks (9 to 57) and to complete radiological union 42.1 weeks (33 to 55). Of the 15?patients, seven required a further operation, four to obtain skin cover. The mean Musculoskeletal Society Tumor Society functional score at final follow-up was 27 out of 30 once union was complete. The functional results were comparable with those of allograft reconstruction and had a similar rate of complication. We believe this to be a satisfactory method of biological reconstruction of the tibial diaphysis in selected patients.     

Mandibular reconstruction

Although there is no general agreement, we think immediate reconstruction with free bone graft from the iliac crest or rib is the method of choice for a small mandibular body or arch defect without concomitant significant loss of soft tissue. Soft tissue reconstruction with well-vascularized tissue should always be performed when extensive loss of soft tissue occurs after hemimandibulectomy to avoid tension on the stump and mandibular drift. When postoperative radiation is not anticipated, immediate bone grafting is appropriate. A free bone covered by well-vascularized tissue or a composite graft is our primary choice, but alloplastic trays with cancellous bone can also be considered. If postoperative radiation is anticipated, only soft tissue repair should be performed and osseous reconstruction should be deferred until radiotherapy is completed. Defects of the arch require special attention because of the severe deviation of the mandibular stumps. Immediate reconstruction is recommended in uncomplicated cases, but secondary bone grafting will be needed when the patient is in poor condition, or postoperative radiation places the bone graft in jeopardy. In such cases, immediate stabilization of the bone segments by internal or external fixation is absolutely necessary. Finally, secondary reconstruction should be considered only if there is no evidence of residual tumor. The defect should be recreated, scarred or irradiated tissue resected, and immediate reconstruction obtained with well-vascularized pedicled or free flaps.