Osteocutaneous free flaps for mandibular reconstruction: systematic review of their frequency of use and a preliminary quality of life comparison

Abstract

The flap used most frequently in the literature is the fibula free flap. Comparative quality of life data are lacking, and homogeneous populations should be used to reach significant conclusions.

Reconstruction of a mandibular segmental defect with a customized 3-dimensional–printed titanium prosthesis in a cat with a mandibular osteosarcoma

“…In dogs, reported techniques include free cortical ulnar and rib autografts with autogenous cancellous bone graft following segmental mandibulectomy, 2,3 rib allograft with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 following segmental mandibulectomy, 4 and absorbable compression resistant matrix (containing collagen, hydroxyapatite, and tricalcium phosphate soaked in recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2) following segmental mandibulectomy 5,6 and bilateral rostral mandibulectomy. 7 Common techniques used in humans for reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects include vascularized free osteocutaneous grafts, [8][9][10] particularly fibular osteocutaneous grafts, and distraction osteogenesis. 11 The increase in the availability of CT planning has resulted in advances in the management of mandibular defects in humans, including creation of 3-D models of the affected mandible for surgical planning (such as prebending and improved fitting of titanium plates, optimization of bone-to-bone contact, and shorter duration of surgery), 9,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] creation of prefabricated intraoperative guides (for optimization of the length and number of fibular grafts, improved fitting of titanium plates, and improved postoperative cosmetic appearance and function), 9,16,[19][20][21] and development of CAD-CAM customized and patientspecific 3-D-printed reconstruction plates 9,22 and prostheses.…”

Perioperative pain management after fibular free flap harvesting for head‐and‐neck reconstruction using mini‐catheters to inject local anesthetic: A pilot study

“…Of the different donor site options available when composite flaps are required, the fibula, iliac crest, and scapula are the most commonly used worldwide, with a fibular free flap being the first option in most cases (Massarelli, Gobbi, Biglio, Soma, & Tullio, ; Okay et al, ; Van Genechten & Batstone, ). The advantages of this flap in terms of reconstruction are well‐known; many papers on this topic have been published over the past 30 years (Aydin, Emekli, Erer, & Hafiz, ; Moubayed et al, ). Papers focusing on harvesting‐associated morbidities are relatively few in number, but nonetheless allow the assessment of long‐term, postoperative donor site outcomes—especially functionality (Baj et al, ; Feuvrier, Sagawa, Béliard, Pauchot, & Decavel, ; Li, Fang, Qi, Luo, & Sun, ; Ver Halen, ).…”

Design of a customised bridging mandibular prosthesis for complex reconstruction: a pilot study

“…The gold standard for mandibular reconstruction is universally recognised and consists of the replacement of the bony part of the mandible with a bony microvascular free flap supported by a reconstructive plate 1 - 3 .…”