Vascularised osteocutaneous scapular flap in the reconstruction of mandibular defects after war wounding

Abstract

Vascularized osteocutaneous scapular flaps belong into the most convenient ones in reconstruction of mandibular defects followed by massive loss of adjacent skin and mucous membrane due to its vascular supply, bulkiness, suitability and mobility of cutaneous component of the flap. In seven wounded patients such defects of the mandible and adjacent soft tissues after war wounding have been reconstructed at the Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery of the Military Medical Academy - Belgrade during the six years period with vascularized osteocutaneous scapular grafts. Here we present localization and structure of the defect, features of harvested compound graft, the procedure of reestablishment of mandibular continuity, immediate and late complications during the consolidation period, as well as the analysis of the success rate.