The combined anterolateral thigh—Partial iliac crest minihybrid free flap for mandibular reconstruction

Abstract

Background and aims Tumors of the oral cavity often require extensive resections leading to significant hard and soft tissue defects. Microvascular free flaps, consisting of both hard and soft tissue, are often required in reconstructions. Hybrid flaps, composed of two different joint free flaps, offer potential alternatives for head and neck reconstruction. This report presents our results with a modified hybrid ALT/DCIA, that is, minihybrid free flap (MH‐flap) composed of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) and a partial inner lamina iliac crest only (partial DCIA) for reconstruction of the mandibular region. Patients and methods Eight patients underwent oral cancer reconstruction of the mandible with the MH‐flap. The MH‐flap was harvested sparing the outer crest and lamina of crista, and its pedicle was combined to the distal pedicle of ALT. Clinical data and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results The mean length of the osseous graft was 64 mm (range 54–78 mm). None of the patients had complications requiring surgical intervention. No donor site complications were observed. The overall survival rate was 100%. The mean length of follow‐up was 16 months (range 7–30 months). Conclusions According to our results, the ALT‐partial DCIA MH‐flap has postoperative outcomes comparable to those of the fibular flap. The flap is a good option with excellent bone properties for reconstruction of limited mandibular defects not suitable for fibular or scapular reconstruction.