Free Fibula Flap Research Articles

Use of Banked Fibula for Improved Nasal Reconstruction Following Free Fibula Midface Reconstruction.

Anterior maxillary deficiency caused by trauma or oncologic resection presents a complex reconstructive challenge. The authors present a technique for 2-stage midface reconstruction utilizing a vascularized free fibula flap for maxillary reconstruction, followed by nasal reconstruction at a second stage utilizing a banked fibula graft. This case series utilizes a 2-stage technique for midface reconstruction. In the first stage, a fibula-free flap was used to reconstruct the maxilla with the excess banked in the abdomen. In the second stage, this bone graft was used to restore the nasal dorsum. Two patients were included in this series. Patient 1 was a 28-year-old man who presented after a remote gunshot wound to his face, resulting in complete loss of his anterior maxilla and nasal support with midface collapse. Patient 2 was a 65-year-old man who presented with squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate with extension into the maxilla and nasal septum. In both cases, the flaps healed without complication, providing midface restoration. Placement of the banked fibula graft in a second stage resulted in restoration of dorsal nasal projection. The authors describe the use of "spare" fibula parts for nasal reconstruction after loss of the maxilla and cartilaginous septum. The use of the fibula bone as a graft to restore the nasal dorsum in a delayed manner allows for a better assessment of the esthetic needs after the massive swelling from the initial surgery has abated. Further, this approach eliminates the need for a second donor site for nasal reconstruction.

Acute Free Fibula Reconstruction of a Ballistic Ulna Fracture

Long bone reconstruction is a complicated topic, especially in cases with a large bone deficit where traditional fixation methods would lead to a high rate of non-union requiring further surgical intervention. Our case is of a male with a gunshot wound to his ulna resulting in a 10cm bone defect and a 15x8cm soft tissue defect. Our goal was to maintain a both bone forearm by reconstructing his ulna to maintain forearm pronation and supination. A chimeric free fibula flap was transferred in the acute setting. Vascularized bone transfer in upper extremity reconstruction is typically considered as an operation after fracture non-union. We propose the use of a vascularized bone flap as a first line therapy in certain instances such as the case above. The use of the free fibula flap can provide vascularized bone and softs tissues and allow for optimal recovery while decreasing the need for further operations.

Early outcomes of osteofascial versus osteocutaneous fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction.

This study compares early outcomes of osteofascial fibula free flap (OF-FFF) with donor-site primary closure and osteocutaneous (OC) FFF with donor-site skin grafting in segmental mandibular reconstruction. A retrospective chart review of FFF mandibular reconstruction patients (2006-2022) divided into OF-FFF and OC-FFF groups. Clinical data, operative parameters, and early postoperative outcomes (≤ 90 days) were analyzed. The study included 67 patients (39 OF-FFF, 28 OC-FFF). OF-FFF had significantly lower donor-site complications (12.8% vs. 53.6%, p < 0.001) and revision surgeries (7.7% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.004) compared to OC-FFF. Recipient-site (28.2% vs. 25%, p = 0.77) and flap (15.4% vs. 17.9%, p > 0.99) complications were comparable. OF-FFF mandibular reconstruction with donor-site primary closure is a safe and reliable technique associated with superior donor-site and comparable flap and recipient-site outcomes to OC-FFF, thus may be considered as a viable alternative to OC-FFF for selected patients.

Functional and esthetic outcomes of virtual surgical planning versus the conventional technique in mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap: A retrospective study of 24 cases

This study aimed to compare the functional and esthetic results in patients following mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap (FFF) by virtual surgical planning (VSP) versus the conventional technique. Patients who had undergone mandibular reconstruction with a FFF by VSP or the conventional technique were retrospectively assessed. The two groups were compared regarding functional and esthetic variables with appropriate scales preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Twenty-four patients were evaluated in two groups: conventional (n = 8) and VSP (n = 16). The mean amount of mandibular asymmetry was 2.62 mm (SD = 1.59) in the conventional group and 1.19 mm (SD = 1.32) in the VSP group. Of the patients who underwent conventional surgery, 12.5% had mandibular asymmetry of <2 mm and 87.5% had asymmetry of 2–5 mm. Of the VSP patients, 61.5% had mandibular asymmetry of <2 mm and 38.5% had mandibular asymmetry of 2–5 mm (p = 0.03). The mean difference in size of mandibular angle on the surgical and control sides was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.62). The difference in mean length of the mandibular body on the surgical side relative to the control side was not significant between the two groups (p = 0.75). Differences in functional variables between the two groups were not significant. Within the limitation of the study, it seems that the VSP technique resulted in better facial symmetry and superior esthetic outcomes compared with the conventional technique.

Complete Extensive Heterotopic Ossification of the Entire Free Fibula Flap Vascular Pedicle in Maxillary Reconstruction.

Heterotopic ossification is a pathologic extra-skeletal bone formation as a form of aberrant repair process with acquired or genetic etiologies. In plastic surgery, it has been well-described in the burn and trauma patients. Rarely, it can happen along the vascular pedicle of free tissue transfer, and when it happens, it is most commonly in head and neck reconstruction. Here we present a case of complete extensive heterotopic ossification of the entire vascular pedicle from the anastomosis to the bone in an osteocutaneous free fibula flap (FFF). The fibula was used as a 2-segment reconstruction for a maxillary defect resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The skin paddle was used to reconstruct the anterior palatal defect. Heterotopic ossification of the FFF vascular pedicle is most reported in the head and neck reconstruction cases. It is rare, but when it happens, it occurs earlier, more commonly, and more extensively in cases of maxillary reconstruction than in cases of mandibular reconstruction. Flap loss due to this sequela has not been reported, and surgical debridement is indicated only when symptomatic. Heterotopic ossification of an FFF vascular pedicle is a rare but well-described entity. The periosteal bone formation capacity preservation after revascularization of the flap is thought to be one of the major etiologies of this phenomenon. Hence, some have suggested a modification in the harvesting technique of the FFF that could mitigate return to the operating room, especially when it is for maxillary reconstruction in the trauma patient. Keywords: Keywords: free fibula flap, heterotopic ossification, maxillary reconstruction, mandibular reconstruction.

Immediate Teeth in Fibulas Versus Standard Fibula Free Flap: A Comparison of Donor Surgical Site Infections

BackgroundImmediate placement of dental implants with dental restoration at the leg donor site requires implant components and prosthetic materials that are not packaged sterile. PurposeThis study aimed to determine if there was a difference in donor surgical site infection between patients that received a fibula free flap with dental implants and immediate teeth prior to flap transfer to the defect site (ITFFF) when compared to standard fibula free flaps without dental implant placement (SFFF). Study DesignA retrospective cohort study was designed and implemented. The study population was composed of patients who underwent free fibula flap transfer for the treatment of benign or malignant conditions of the head and neck from 2015 to 2022. Patients who received immediate dental implants without teeth were excluded, since those implants are sterile and buried under soft tissue. Predictor VariableThe surgical treatment with either ITFFF or SFFF was treated as the primary predictor variable. Outcome VariableThe primary outcome variable was postoperative donor surgical site infection. CovariatesThere were 12 covariate variables including age, sex, diabetes diagnosis, immunosuppression/prior chemotherapy treatment, body mass index, smoking status, pack year history, pathology treated, technique for fibula donor site closure, skin paddle harvest, skin paddle area (cm2), negative pressure wound therapy. AnalysesFor the effect of the covariates on the primary predictor variable, chi-squared analyses and t-tests were used. The effect of the primary predictor variable on the primary outcome was evaluated using chi-squared analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThere were 37 patients in the ITFFF group and 47 in the SFFF group. The donor site infection rate for the entire study population was 2.38%. In the ITFFF group there was 1 donor surgical site infection (2.70%) and in the SFFF there was also 1 donor surgical site infection (2.13%). There was no significant difference in donor surgical site infection between the groups (p = 0.86). ConclusionsThis study found no difference in donor surgical site infection rates between patients who received ITFFF versus SFFF. The overall donor surgical site infection rate following fibula free flap is low.

Reduced length of intensive care unit stay and early mechanical ventilator weaning with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in free fibula flap surgery

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on postoperative recovery of patients who underwent free fibula flap surgery for mandibular reconstruction. This retrospective study included 188 patients who underwent free fibula flap surgery for complex mandibular and soft tissue defects between January 2011 and December 2022. We divided them into two groups: the ERAS group, consisting of 36 patients who were treated according to the ERAS program introduced from 2021 to 2022. Propensity score matching was used for the non-ERAS group, which comprised 36 cases selected from 152 patients between 2011 and 2020, based on age, sex, and smoking history. After propensity score matching, the ERAS and non-ERAS groups included 36 patients each. The primary outcome was the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay; the secondary outcomes were flap complications, unplanned reoperation, 30-day readmission, postoperative ventilator use length, surgical site infections, incidence of delirium within ICU, lower-limb comorbidities, and morbidity parameters. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the patients. However, the ERAS group showed the lower length of intensive care unit stay (ERAS vs non-ERAS: 8.66 ± 3.90 days vs. 11.64 ± 5.42 days, P = 0.003) and post-operative ventilator use days (ERAS vs non-ERAS: 1.08 ± 0.28 days vs. 2.03 ± 1.05 days, P < 0.001). Other secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, patients in the ERAS group had lower postoperative morbidity parameters, such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infections, and pulmonary complications (P = 0.042). The ERAS program could be beneficial and safe for patients undergoing free fibula flap surgery for mandibular reconstruction, thereby improving their recovery and not increasing flap complications and 30-day readmission.

Comparative study of CAD/CAM reconstruction and miniplates for patient-specific fixation in LCL-type mandibular reconstruction.

Miniplates offer superior clinical handling and facilitate postoperative removal after mandibular reconstruction but unfavorable load distribution under high stress has been shown. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of patient-specific 3D-printed (PS-3D) titanium miniplate with reconstruction plate fixation in three-segmental LCL-type reconstructions for the first time. Patients undergoing three-segmental LCL-type mandibular reconstruction after malignant tumor resection between April 2017 and July 2023 were analyzed in a retrospective single-center study. Inclusion criteria were primary reconstruction using a fibula free flap and PS-3D titanium mini- or reconstruction plate fixation. Complication rates were recorded and analyzed within 6 months after surgery using the N - 1 Chi2- and unequal variance t-test. 38 patients (10 females, 28 males; mean age 61.4 ± 7.6 years) met the inclusion criteria. In 14 patients (36.8%) miniplates were used in the anterior region. Rates of fixation failure, plate exposure, incomplete osseous union, wound infection, soft tissue, and overall complications did not differ significantly between the two plate systems. Complication rates did not differ significantly between PS-3D mini- and reconstruction plates in three-segmental LCL-type mandibular reconstructions. Given their advantages in clinical handling and postoperative removal, PS-3D miniplates can be a viable alternative also in larger mandibular reconstructions.

Congenital Forearm Pseudarthrosis in Patients with NF-1: Treatment Strategy Using a Free Fibular Flap and External Fixation

Congenital Forearm Pseudarthrosis in Patients with NF-1: Treatment Strategy Using a Free Fibular Flap and External Fixation

Comprehensive analysis of fibula free flap reconstruction: A retrospective study on limb defects and vascular considerations

The clinical applications of the fibula flap for reconstructing bone defects in the limbs have been widely studied. This study aims to investigate the use of the fibula flap in the treatment of bone defects resulting from trauma, infections, or oncological pathology. Additionally, the study focuses on analyzing preoperative experiences, including imaging and intraoperative aspects, to optimize preoperative planning. The study includes a retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent surgical treatment for extensive bone defects from 2014 to 2020. Demographic data, surgical interventions, and postoperative complications were collected. Specific anatomical elements of the fibula flap, such as vascularization and dimensions, were also studied. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the clinical applications and optimization of the fibula flap for reconstructive surgery.

Fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction following total en bloc resection in ameloblastoma: a case report and literature review

Background: The fibular free flap is considered the gold standard in mandibular bone reconstruction. It has a high survival rate, is well-vascularized, and fits seamlessly into long-bone defects. The purpose of this article is to describe the use of vascularized fibular free flap in mandibular reconstruction after total en bloc resection in case of ameloblastoma suspected of repeated trauma to the mandible. Case Presentation: A case report of a 26-year-old patient undergoing a mandibular reconstruction using fibula osteocutenous free flap following total en bloc resection due to ameloblastoma on mandibular symphisis region was monitored using Doppler ultrasound every 15 minutes for three to five days. Within four months of treatment, the patient had improved, and the graft was found to be viable. Conclusion: The severity and size of the affected tissue, the tumour's histological arrangement, and the consequences were the influence of whether or not ameloblastoma patients should require surgery. To determine the best course of treatment for each individual case of ameloblastoma, an accurate clinical examination and image evaluation are required.

Early Weight-Bearing After Fibula Free Flap Surgery

Despite the widespread use of fibula free flap (FFF) surgery for head and neck reconstruction, there are no studies assessing if early weight-bearing (EWB) affects postoperative recovery, and the timing of weight-bearing initiation following FFF surgery varies considerably across institutions. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect of EWB in these patients and whether it could improve postoperative recovery. To assess the association of EWB after FFF surgery with donor-site complications, length of stay, and discharge to home status. This retrospective cohort study took place at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a single tertiary care institution in Boston, Massachusetts. A total of 152 patients who received head and neck reconstruction with a fibula osteocutaneous free flap between January 11, 2010, and August 11, 2022, were included. EWB on postoperative day 1 vs non-EWB on postoperative day 2 or later. Patient characteristics, including demographic characteristics and comorbidities, surgical characteristics, donor-site complications, length of stay, and discharge disposition, were recorded. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regressions were used to compute effect sizes and 95% CIs to compare postoperative outcomes in EWB and non-EWB groups. A total of 152 patients (median [IQR] age, 63 [55-70] years; 89 [58.6%] male) were included. The median (IQR) time to postoperative weight-bearing was 3 (1-5) days. Among all patients, 14 (9.2%) had donor-site complications. EWB on postoperative day 1 was associated with shorter length of stay (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02-0.60), increased rate of discharge to home (AOR, 7.43; 95% CI, 2.23-24.80), and decreased donor-site complications (AOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.01-0.94). Conversely, weight-bearing 3 or more days postoperatively was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia (AOR, 6.82; 95% CI, 1.33-34.99). In this cohort study, EWB after FFF surgery was associated with shorter length of stay, increased rate of discharge to home, and decreased donor-site complications. These findings support the role of early mobilization to optimize postoperative recovery after FFF surgery.

Giant Cell Tumor of Mandible : A Case Report.

Giant cell tumor is locally aggressive primary benign neoplasm of bone with tendency of frequent recurrence, metastasis and malignant transformation. Because of the rarity of the disease involving mandible, no definite treatment guideline is established. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice for giant cell tumor. Due to its proximity to vital structures including skull base, the recurrent disease associated with less invasive procedure could be difficult to manage while more invasive procedure will result in higher morbidity and complex reconstruction. Medical management with denosumab or zoledronic acid has been advocated in surgically unresectable disease. We present a rare case of giant cell tumor of mandible. Patient was a 33 years old lady who presented with gradually progressive painful swelling in chin. After exclusion of distant metastasis by F-18 FDG PET scan, she underwent en-bloc resection of the tumor with free fibula flap reconstruction. During 6 months of follow up visit patient had no recurrence.

The Role of Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Blood Pressure Variations, Fluid Balance and Inotropics in Fibula Free Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Retrospective Analysis.

In head and neck reconstructive surgery, postoperative complications are a well-known concern. We examined 46 patients who underwent ablative surgery and received fibula free flap reconstruction. The main focus was to assess the influence of intraoperative blood pressure fluctuations and the administration of inotropic drugs on complications, either related to the flap or systemic, serving as the primary endpoint. Utilizing logistic regression models, we identified that intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) drops did not correlate with the occurrence of either flap-related complications (MAP < 70, p = 0.79; MAP < 65, p = 0.865; MAP < 60, p = 0.803; MAP < 55, p = 0.937) or systemic medical complications (MAP < 70, p = 0.559; MAP < 65, p = 0.396; MAP < 60, p = 0.211; MAP < 55, p = 0.936). The occurrence of flap-related complications significantly increased if a higher dosage of dobutamine was administered (median 27.5 (IQR 0-47.5) vs. 62 (38-109) mg, p = 0.019) but not if norepinephrine was administered (p = 0.493). This correlation was especially noticeable given the uptick in complications associated with fluid overload (3692 (3101-4388) vs. 4859 (3555-6216) mL, p = 0.026). Intraoperative and immediate postoperative blood pressure fluctuations are common but are not directly associated with flap-related complications; however, dobutamine application as well as fluid overload may impact flap-specific complications.

Virtual Surgical Planning Facilitates Surgical Resection in Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis and Optimize Reconstructive Outcomes

Background: Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a devastating complication of radiotherapy for oropharyngeal malignancy. Despite advancements in ORN treatment, risk of ORN recurrence remains high following surgical resection. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) for ORN treatment is an evolving application that may not only inform bony reconstruction but also therapeutic surgical margins, which remain inconclusively defined in the literature. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 25 cases in which patients underwent VSP-guided resection of mandibular ORN followed by immediate free fibula flap reconstruction. Surgical margins of 1-cm from radiologically evident disease were taken. VSP accuracy was quantified by comparing measured anatomic parameters between the virtually planned outcomes and the final outcomes on postoperative imaging. Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between preoperative factors and postoperative complications including ORN recurrence. Results: The mandibular body was most frequently affected by ORN in this series of patients. Among risk factors, only the presence of a preoperative orocutaneous fistula was predictive of a complication, specifically partial flap failure (β = 1.41; P = .013). Intended anatomic parameters were achieved with the exception of the intergonial distance (x difference = 0.53 cm; P = .03). Finally, there were no cases of ORN recurrence after a mean follow-up of 27.4 months. Conclusions: VSP of free fibula flaps for mandibular reconstruction following ORN is a valid tool for effecting accurate anatomical outcomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a 1-cm margin around radiographically evident ORN may effectively implement a curative outcome free from relapse.

Realizing in-house algorithm-driven free fibula flap set up within 24 hours: a pilot study evaluating accuracy with open-source tools.

This study aims to critically evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of a time safing and cost-efficient open-source algorithm for in-house planning of mandibular reconstructions using the free osteocutaneous fibula graft. The evaluation focuses on quantifying anatomical accuracy and assessing the impact on ischemia time. A pilot study was conducted, including patients who underwent in-house planned computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of free fibula flaps between 2021 and 2023. Out of all patient cases, we included all with postoperative 3D imaging in the study. The study utilized open-source software tools for the planning step, and three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. The Hausdorff distance and Dice coefficient metrics were used to evaluate the accuracy of the planning procedure. The study assessed eight patients (five males and three females, mean age 61.75 ± 3.69 years) with different diagnoses such as osteoradionecrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. The average ischemia time was 68.38 ± 27.95 min. For the evaluation of preoperative planning vs. the postoperative outcome, the mean Hausdorff Distance was 1.22 ± 0.40. The Dice Coefficients yielded a mean of 0.77 ± 0.07, suggesting a satisfactory concordance between the planned and postoperative states. Dice Coefficient and Hausdorff Distance revealed significant correlations with ischemia time (Spearman's rho = -0.810, p = 0.015 and Spearman's rho = 0.762, p = 0.028, respectively). Linear regression models adjusting for disease type further substantiated these findings. The in-house planning algorithm not only achieved high anatomical accuracy, as reflected by the Dice Coefficients and Hausdorff Distance metrics, but this accuracy also exhibited a significant correlation with reduced ischemia time. This underlines the critical role of meticulous planning in surgical outcomes. Additionally, the algorithm's open-source nature renders it cost-efficient, easy to learn, and broadly applicable, offering promising avenues for enhancing both healthcare affordability and accessibility.

Noninstrumented Free Fibula Flap for Cervical Osteomyelitis

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Severe cases of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis can pose a challenge regarding reconstruction, stability/alignment, and infection eradication. Here we describe the application of vascularized free fibula (FF) flaps to reconstruct the cervical spine without instrumentation in the setting of severe osteomyelitis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Two patients presented with symptomatic multilevel cervical osteomyelitis. Both patients were treated with corpectomy and FF flap without instrumentation using a novel wedging and distraction technique to secure the flap into position. Clinical outcomes were based on neurological recovery and infection management. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography with 3-dimensional reconstruction were used to measure fusion status and patency of the anastomoses. CT of the cervical spine completed 8 weeks postoperatively demonstrated robust fusion of the fibula flaps to adjacent cervical vertebrae. In both patients, CT angiography demonstrated patency of the arterial anastomoses. Both flaps maintained persistent deformity correction. Both patients made full neurological recovery. DISCUSSION: This reconstructive approach represents a salvage technique that offers advantages in cases of prior hardware failure or unfavorable host factors with rapid fusion and definitive treatment with a single surgery. CONCLUSION: The use of FF flap without instrumentation seems to be a safe and effective option for cervical spine reconstruction in the setting of severe osteomyelitis.

Treatment strategies of recurrent jaw osteosarcoma: case report

Osteosarcoma of jaw is a rare malignant neoplasm of the maxillofacial region. Morphologically and radiologically identical to trunk and extremities sarcomas, but clinical features and prognosis of the disease have important differences. The strategy in treatment of gnathic sarcomas extrapolated from peripheral sarcomas, and represents an integrated multidisciplinary approach. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial as well as adjuvant chemotherapy due to lack of clinical research. Surgical treatment with achievement of clean resection margins is the main favorable prognostic factor. Fibular free flap has been widely used for the last decade for mandible reconstruction. The strategies of treatment recurrent disease directly depend on ability to perform complete resection. Despite increased technical complexity, secondary free peroneal flap reconstruction can be performed safely, reliably, and with similar results to the premier segmental mandibulectomy. The use of radiation therapy is limited to unresectable or recurrent lesions. Well known that jaw osteosarcomas have a relatively higher survival rate and low metastasis rate, however, local recurrences significantly worsen the prognosis of patients. The following is a clinical case of treatment recurrent jaw osteosarcoma using second fibular free flap.

Fibular free flap necrosis after mandibular reconstruction surgery with osteoradionecrosis: Establishment and verification of an early warning model

ObjectiveFibular free flap necrosis (FFFN) is the most common complication in patients with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) after mandibular reconstruction surgery. However, there are no effective forecasting tools at present. This research is aimed to establish and verify a nomogram model to predict the risk of FFFN after mandibular reconstruction surgery in ORN patients. MethodsA total of 193 ORN patients with mandibular reconstruction using fibular free flap (150 cases in the model group and 43 cases in the validation group) were enrolled in this study. In the model group, the variables were optimized by lasso regression. Then the prediction model was established by binary logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram was drawn. The bootstrap self-sampling method was used for internal verification. Moreover, 43 cases in the validation group were used for external validation. ResultsThe results of lasso regression and binary logistic regression analysis showed that the radiotherapy interval (≤2 years), trismus, diabetes, without deep venous anastomoses, and American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) III were the independent risk factors for FFFN after mandibular reconstruction surgery in ORNJ patients (P<0.05). Based on the above-mentioned risk factors, the nomogram model was established. The AUC values of the model group and the validation group were 0.936 and 0.964, respectively. The curve analysis showed that when the probability thresholds of the model group and the validation group were 5.699%∼98.229% and 0.413%∼99.721%, respectively. So the patient's clinical net profit rate was the highest. ConclusionA nomogram combining the factors of radiotherapy interval (≤2 years), trismus, diabetes, without deep venous anastomoses, and ASA III provided a comparatively effective way to predict the risk of FFFN after mandibular reconstruction surgery in ORN patients, which has distinct applied clinical value.

Prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with jaw reconstruction by fibula free flap: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the dental prosthetic rehabilitation (DPR) in patients after jaw reconstruction with fibula free flap. Four databases were searched from January 2000 to January 2023. Of the 2507 studies identified, 36 observational studies were included. Cancer was the most common surgical indications for jawbone resection with 58.3 % of cases followed by benign tumours which representing 24 %. The DPR rate was estimated at 51.6 % across the studies (ranging from 38 % to 55 % depending on the benign or malignant nature of the tumors). Implant-supported prostheses represented 58.9 % of cases of which 66.9 % were fixed and 33.1 % were implant-stabilized overdentures. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) was used in 20 % of studies and aimed to improve the position of the grafted fibula, quality, and aesthetics of DPR and to decrease ischemia and the operating time. One in two authors performed DPR 12 months after jaw reconstruction. If implant survival rate reached 93 % in non-irradiated fibula, it fell to 38 %, 55 %, and 77 % if implantation occurred in the 12, 17, and 24 months after radiotherapy, respectively. Various parameters should be better investigated in further studies including the typology of the prostheses (implant-supported vs removable), the use of VSP, and the optimal time for DPR taking into account the characteristics of the tumor, the size of bone defect, and the need for external irradiation therapy