Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to address questions concerning the functional outcome following mandibular reconstruction with vascularized fibula flap in skeletally immature children METHODS: Eleven patients 14 years old or younger who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a free fibula flap were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 3.4 years. One flap loss occurred and required a second fibula flap. Panorex radiographs showed good bone union and growth in all patients. Functional outcomes were normal according to age in all patients. Two patients had long-term malocclusion. No patients had to undergo corrective orthognathic surgery. Donor-site morbidities consisted of great toe flexion contracture (n = 4) and a valgus deformity (n = 1). All patients had a normal gait, and there were no discrepancies in leg length. CONCLUSION: A mandible reconstructed using a vascularized fibula flap appears to grow accordingly as the child grows, with minimal disturbance to the growth pattern of the midface.     

There is no donor side specificity of fibula free flap for complex oromandibular reconstruction

Background:

The objective of this study was to prove that there is no significance to the donor side (right or left) of the free fibula osteocutaneous flap (FFOCF) in the reconstruction of complex oromandibular defects (COMD) and proper flap planning, designing and tailoring are important in reconstructing different types of COMD after tumour-ablative surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Three hundred and eighty-six consecutive patients who where reconstructed with FFOCF for COMD from Jan 2005 to Dec 2009 over a period of 5 years were studied. Except in seven patients, all fibula flaps were harvested from the left leg as per convenience and to facilitate a simultaneous, two-team approach. Depending on the condition of the neck vessels, vascular anastomosis was performed on the right or the left side, irrespective of the side of the defect.

Results:

Complete flap survival was seen in 334 patients (86.52%). Superficial skin necrosis was seen in 20 patients, and was managed conservatively (5.18%). Partial flap loss was seen in 20 patients (5.18%). There were 39 re-explorations. Complete flap loss was seen in 12 patients (3.10%).

Conclusion:

We found no significance in terms of the results as far as the side of flap donor leg or primary defect were concerned. Flap tailoring in terms of meeting the tissue requirement and vessel orientation were rather more important.     

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。     

Osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of composite maxillary defects

BACKGROUND: Composite maxillary defects often involve the maxilla, nasal mucosa, palate, and maxillary sinus. We presented the surgical techniques and outcome of the osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery perforator (PAP) flap for reconstruction of composite maxillary defects. METHODS: Six patients underwent an osteomyocutaneous PAP flap reconstruction of composite maxillary defects. The average age was 52 years. The defects were Cordeiro type II in three patients and type IV midfacial defects in another three patients. RESULTS: No total or partial flap failures occurred. At a mean 12-month follow-up, five patients had a normal speech and were able to eat a regular diet. One patient tolerated a soft diet and had intelligible speech. One patient had ectropion develop. Excellent cosmesis was found in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: The osteomyocutaneous PAP flap represents a further refinement of the fibula flap and increases its versatility, with multiple skin paddles, bone segments, and soleus muscle independently isolated. It is a comparable reconstruction option for composite maxillary defects.     

Single stage reconstruction of post traumatic and post excisional composite perigenual defects using chimeric pedicled propelled osteomyocutaneous fibula flap

IntroductionComposite perigenual defects (CPGDs) are exacting the expertise of the reconstructive surgeons. Segmental skeletal defects continue to be a challenge for both orthopedic and plastic surgeons. There are many techniques available for the reconstruction of segmental skeletal defects in the perigenual region. This study explores the outcomes of pedicled chimeric propelled osteomyocutaneous fibula flap reconstruction of post traumatic and post excisional composite perigenual defects (CPGDs)Materials and methodsIt was a retrospective study conducted from 2011 to 2016 including 16 patients (5 post excisional defects and 11 post traumatic defects). 14 males and 2 females were included. Ages of the patients were ranging from 24 to 46 years. All had their CPGDs reconstructed with chimeric pedicled propelled fibula osteomyocutaneous flapResultsAll 15 patients on an average of 26 months follow-up assumed pain free unrestrictive walking. Fracture of hardware and transferred fibula occurred in one case 2 ^1/2 years following the surgery. Other patients had good functional recovery in an average of 26 months follow up. The average MSTS score of 15 patients was 23.9.ConclusionThis anatomically construed procedure will be addendum to the armamentarium of reconstruction in both post excisional limb salvage milieu and secondary posttraumatic context for the perigenual composite defects. With high healing potential, infection culling capacity, high osteogenic potential and good supportive hardwares the pedicled osteomyocutaneous fibula flap may usher in better outcome in composite perigenual defects reconstruction.     

Vascularised fibula osteocutaneous flap for cervical spinal and posterior pharyngeal wall reconstruction

We report a case of vascularised fibula osteocutaneous flap used for composite cervical spinal and posterior pharyngeal wall reconstruction, in a patient with recurrent skull base chordoma, resected by an anterior approach via median labio-mandibular glossotomy approach. Bone stability and pharyngeal wall integrity were simultaneously restored     

Biological reconstruction of bone defects: the role of the free fibula flap

This review describes the kinds of skeletal bone defects in bones which develop through enchondral ossification. It focuses on the biological reconstruction of those defects according to the two main subtypes, intercalary and osteoarticular. We list the causes of bone defects and outline the different types and configurations that result from them. We then review the currently available reconstructive options according to the patient’s age and describe the theoretical options as well. Finally, the history, surgical anatomy and clinical use of the free fibula flap will be reviewed. From our own clinical experience and review of the literature, we conclude that biological reconstruction is, in many ways, superior to alloplastic materials, especially in children, adolescents and young adults.     

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.     

应用菱形皮瓣修复皮肤缺损

目的：评价应用菱形皮瓣修复皮肤软组织缺损的效果。方法：2005年1月～2010年12月,我们应用菱形皮瓣修复色素痣、瘢痕、体表肿瘤等切除后缺损患者46例,术中将病变组织行圆形或椭圆形切除,于缺损邻近处设计菱形皮瓣,将菱形皮瓣转移修复缺损,供区直接缝合。结果：皮瓣全部成活,切口Ⅰ期愈合,形态满意。结论：菱形皮瓣是修复皮肤软组织缺损理想的选择,其效果满意,方法简便。