Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Implant Prostheses in Fibula Free Flaps

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Functional reconstruction of jaw defects due to surgical resection is a challenge in maxillofacial surgery. The fibula free flap in combination with dental implants has exhibited growing popularity for such reconstructions. This study aimed at evaluating the clinical and functional outcome of dental implants inserted in fibula free flaps and dental implants used for orofacial reconstruction following ablation of tumors. Materials and methods A clinical follow-up study of 10 patients was conducted after oral surgery, who received vascularized fibula bone grafts and endosseous implants for functional jaw reconstruction during a 12-year period. The follow-up protocol included a clinical examination and radiological evaluation and interview using a questionnaire. Information on postoperative recovery after the surgical reconstruction phase and implant placement, type of diet, swallowing problems, speech intelligibility, lip competence, and perceived facial appearance was collected and analyzed. Results The survival rate of fibula free flap was 100%. The survival and success rates of implants placed in the fibula flaps at the end of the follow-up period were 100 and 94% respectively. Conclusion Implants placed in fibula bone grafts have been shown to integrate normally. Surgical reconstruction with vascularized fibula bone grafts followed by placement of dental implants after jaw resection can provide good clinical and functional outcomes for oral rehabilitation with a prosthesis. How to cite this article A riga P, N arayanan V, J ain A R, Philip JM, Nathan S. Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Implant Prostheses in Fibula Free Flaps. World J Dent 2017;8(3):171-176.