Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap Research Articles

Computer-based Planning System for Mandibular Reconstruction.

Mandibular reconstruction is typically performed for traumatic or postsurgical conditions, and may involve the use of autologous osteocutaneous fibula free flaps for large defects. Recreating the native contour of the mandible during reconstructive surgery is challenging. Existed pre-operative planning software has limitations. In this paper we present a novel pre-operative planning system that helps to optimize the number and location of bony osteotomies, and the orientation of the harvested bone segments by specifically prioritizing the position and number of the cutanteous perforators to the osteocutaneous fibula free flap, in order to improve the reliability of the osteocutaneous fibula free flap.

Indications for 2nd Flap along with Free Fibular Osteo Cutaneous Flap (FFOCF) in Reconstruction of Extensive Composite Oromandibular Defect, Study of 1000 Cases from 2005 to 2013

Indications for 2nd Flap along with Free Fibular Osteo Cutaneous Flap (FFOCF) in Reconstruction of Extensive Composite Oromandibular Defect, Study of 1000 Cases from 2005 to 2013

Evaluation of Plate-Related Complications and Efficacy in Fibula Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of plate-related complications after vascularized bony reconstruction of the mandible, comparing the plate type used. Between 2004 and December 2012, a total of 41 free osteocutaneous fibula flaps have been used in an equal number of patients for reconstruction of the mandible, at the Division of Maxillofacial surgery, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin. Malignant pathology was the most common indication for segmental mandibulectomy.Patient outcomes were retrospectively evaluated with special attention to plate complications such as plate fracture, exposure, infection, and bony nonunion.The types of reconstruction plates used were mandible plates 2.0, locking plates 2.0, miniplates (<2.0), and locking 2.4 plates. Mandible plates 2.0 were used in 14 patients, locking plates 2.0 in 12 patients, and locking 2.4 plates in 4 patients. The most commonly used plates were miniplates, which were used in 86 patients.A total of 5 plate complications occurred after 41 procedures in an equal number of patients.Two complications occurred in patients receiving 2.0 mandible plates (2/14). One complication occurred in patients receiving 2.0 locking plates (1/12). Two complications occurred in patients receiving miniplates (2/86). In our experience, miniplates are not associated to a high rate of complications comparing to other plates. The advantage of these plates and the low rate of complications make them our first choice for mandibular reconstructions.

A Successful Free Fibula Transfer in the Patient With Chronic Peroneal Vein Thrombosis

Despite the rare incidence, occult chronic thrombosis of peroneal veins of the fibula graft during the flap harvest presents a challenge to produce a successful reconstruction. In this article, we present a case of a 54-year-old man with chronic thrombosis of peroneal veins found during the harvest of the free fibula osteocutaneous flap for reconstruction of the mandible defect after tumor ablation. With near-total obliteration of the lumens, a small lumen with residual blood outflow was identified under microscopic magnification. A successful flap transfer was made possible by using the recanalized lumen around the chronic thrombus of the vein for microanastomosis. The pathological analysis of the vein revealed that the recanalized lumens and the endothelial cells-specific CD31 immunohistochemical stain highlighted the endothelium of regenerative lumen around the chronic thrombus. The abundant deposition of thick collagen fibers also suggested a chronic nature of the thrombus. However, although a successful microsurgical free osteocutaneous flap transfer might be possible in the patient with lower-limb chronic peroneal vein thrombosis, a careful preoperative evaluation with imaging study is recommended for high-risk patients.

Mandibulectomy and Free Flap Reconstruction for Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is an increasingly recognized complication of intravenous and oral bisphosphonate therapy. Our experience suggests that mandibulectomy and free flap reconstruction is an effective treatment for patients with stage 3 and recalcitrant stage 2 disease. To analyze indications for segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular free flap reconstruction for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and surgical outcomes following this procedure. In a multi-institutional case series study conducted in academic tertiary care centers, 13 patients underwent segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular free flap reconstruction, including 8 patients with stage 3 disease and 5 patients with recalcitrant stage 2 disease. All patients had persistent or progressive disease despite conservative oral care and antibiotic treatment. Segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular free flap reconstruction. Treatment efficacy and postoperative complications. RESULTS There was 1 total flap loss due to infection. The patient with a flap loss ultimately underwent a successful fibula osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction after serial irrigation and debridement. The overall complication rate was 46% (n = 6). All complications occurred in patients with stage 3 disease. Ultimately, all patients achieved a successful reconstruction, with no recurrences. All patients tolerated a soft or regular diet postoperatively. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is an increasingly recognized complication of intravenous and oral bisphosphonate therapy that can occasionally progress to involve full-thickness mandibular destruction, pathologic fracture, and fistulization, as well as chronic pain and infection. Mandibulectomy and free flap reconstruction is an effective treatment for patients with stage 3 and recalcitrant stage 2 bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. High rates of chronic infection and underlying medical comorbidities may predispose to a substantial perioperative complication rate.

Fibula osteocutaneous free flap for maxillary defects reconstruction

Fibula osteocutaneous free flap for maxillary defects reconstruction

Retrospective analysis of incidence of peroneal artery hypoplasia in 101 free fibula transfers and new classification of popliteal branch anomalies

It is generally recognised by surgeons that there are anatomical variations of the popliteal artery and its branches, and knowledge of these has important clinical implications for fibula flap harvest. The aim of this study was to report our experience on 101 fibula free flaps, highlighting a new type of anatomical variation of the peroneal artery in a patient undergoing osteocutaneous fibula free flap for tibial reconstruction. During flap harvest, the peroneal vascular pedicle was shown to be hypoplastic and aberrant to its origin, branching between the proximal and medium third of the leg from the posterior tibialis artery with a diameter of 1mm. A modification of Kim's classification with the addition of a further “type IIID” group is suggested, to include peroneal artery hypoplasia or aplasia. This is an uncommon case of a rare infrapopliteal branching pattern that was undetected clinically and sonographically, exposing both the surgeon and patient to high risk of flap failure and/or leg ischaemic complication. Surgeons conducting free fibula transfer surgery should be aware of such a possibility as well as other variations, and could consider performing routine angiographic study on the donor limb, or they may be skilful enough to apply instant tricks to enable them to conduct the procedure safely.

Single versus dual venous anastomoses of the free fibula osteocutaneous flap in mandibular reconstruction: A retrospective study

The present study was to compare the success rates of single venous anastomosis with dual venous anastomoses of the free fibula osteocutaneous flap in mandibular reconstruction. Retrospective review of all cases of mandibular reconstruction using free fibula osteocutaneous flaps performed by a single surgeon in our department during the period January 2005 to April 2012. All the flaps were harvested and transplanted by the standard protocols. Microvascular anastomosis of either one or two veins was performed. In addition to routine clinical evaluation, the viability of the flap was evaluated by a portable Doppler at the tenth day after surgery. Two hundred and one free fibula osteocutaneous flaps were performed during this time period. Single venous anastomosis was performed in 112 flaps and dual venous anastomoses were performed in 89 flaps. The overall incidence of vascular thrombosis was 3%, and the success rate of the transplantation was 98.5%. Six cases developed vascular thrombosis postoperatively. One was arterial thrombosis that occurred 12 hours after initial operation in the dual venous anastomoses group. Three venous thrombosis occurred 24 hr after the operation in the single venous anastomosis group. In dual venous anastomoses group, two venous thrombosis occurred 3-4 days after initial operation and attempt to salvage failed in both the cases. Fisher's exact test showed that there was no significant difference of the success rate between single and dual anastomoses groups (P = 0.59). There is no difference in success rates between single venous anastomosis and dual venous anastomoses for mandibular reconstruction with free fibula osteocutaneous flap.

Mandibular reconstruction with a fibular osteocutaneous free flap in an 8-month-old girl with a 12-year follow-up

The purpose of this article is to describe a case of an 8-month-old girl who was diagnosed with a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor and was submitted to a right hemimandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction with a fibular osteocutaneous free flap. At 12-year follow-up, the longest reported in a patient this young, the transferred bone had grown much like the native mandible, and the patient had adequate mandibular contour and function. No revisions were needed, although orthopedic surgery was performed to correct an ankle valgus deviation on the donor leg. It is the opinion of the authors that microsurgical mandible reconstruction in very young patients is efficient and that the surrounding structures contribute to the remodeling of the bone segment to achieve characteristics similar to those of the native mandible.

Preoperative MR angiography for free fibula osteocutaneous flap transfer

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is currently considered the most useful test to evaluate the vascular anatomy of the lower leg prior to free fibula osteocutaneous flap transfer. This study aimed to confirm the validity of preoperative MRA. In 19 patients underwent free fibula osteocutaneous flap transfer for maxillary and mandibular reconstruction, the MRA and intraoperative findings and the postoperative complications were retrospectively analyzed. The location and number of distal septocutaneous perforators (dSCPs) that were preoperatively identified and harvested with flaps were documented. Preoperative MRA detected dSCPs with 100% sensitivity. MRA findings also revealed the diversity of vascular structures, such as the tibio-peroneal bifurcation location and the anatomical relationship between the peroneal vessels and the fibula. No patients suffered postoperative ischemic complications in the donor leg. The total flap survival rate was 95 %. Preoperative MRA effectively excluded large vessel anomalies and peripheral vascular disease, and precisely identified the septocutaneous perforators. Additionally, preoperative MRA contributed to a safer fibular osteotomy by predicting the anatomical relationship between the peroneal vessels and the fibula.

Surgical Modalities in Gunshot Wounds of the Face

Maxillofacial traumas caused by gunshot wounds may cause quite varied defects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reconstruction methods in 12 patients with gunshot wound-related mandibular and maxillofacial bony and soft tissue defects. Twelve patients who were operated on for maxillofacial gunshot wounds at our clinic between 2002 and 2012 were included in the study. Seven patients were wounded in a suicide attempt, and 5 were wounded as a result of an accident or in assaults. Two patients underwent reconstruction using free fibula osteocutaneous flap, 4 patients received the free radial forearm osteocutaneous flap, 2 patients received costal bone graft, and 3 patients received iliac bone grafts. Satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes were achieved in cases where staged secondary reconstruction, balloon treatment, and consecutive fat and steroid injections into the depressed scar areas were applied. In conclusion, the basic goal in maxillofacial reconstruction is the functional and aesthetic reconstruction of the contours. Because it is not easy to get perfect results with only 1 clinical approach or 1 method, the proper timing and reconstruction method should be selected.

Development of Stable Peri-implant Soft Tissue and Mentolabial Sulcus Depth with an Implant-Retained Soft Tissue Conformer After Osteocutaneous Flap Reconstruction

Excessive soft tissue bulk, movement, chronic inflammation, and hypertrophy in periimplant areas pose challenges for long-term management of peri-implant soft tissues surrounding osteocutaneous flap reconstructions. A case history report is presented on the predictable establishment of stable peri-implant soft tissue and improved mentolabial sulcus depth in a patient treated for high-grade osteosarcoma of the mandible. Following surgical resection, reconstruction with osteocutaneous fibula free flap, and endosseous implant placement, a combined surgical and prosthetic approach was used through a lip switch vestibuloplasty and an implant-retained soft tissue conformer.

Feasibility of Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction in the Setting of Calcified Arteriosclerosis of the Vascular Pedicle

OBJECTIVE To report outcomes in free flap reconstructive surgery in the setting of calcified arteriosclerosis affecting the flap pedicle. DESIGN Retrospective review, including a detailed analysis of medical records, histopathologic findings, and a comprehensive review of the literature. METHODS A total of 1329 consecutive microvascular free tissue transfers were performed by 2 reconstructive surgeons at a university-affiliated tertiary care medical center from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2011. Clinical notes, operative notes, and pathology reports were systematically reviewed to identify 44 patients (3%) with calcified arteriosclerosis involving the flap vascular pedicle. A comprehensive medical record review was performed for the included patients, detailing patient-related characteristics, flap survival, and incidence of perioperative complications. RESULTS A history of arteriosclerosis was identified preoperatively in 18 patients (41%). Eight patients (18%) were specifically recognized clinically and histologically to have a variant of arteriosclerosis known as Mönckeberg medial calcific sclerosis. In total, fibula osteocutaneous free flap was performed in 30 patients, radial forearm in 8 patients, rectus abdominus in 3 patients, latissimus dorsi in 2 patients, and parascapular in 1 patient. Perioperative complications occurred in 17 patients (39%), with the most common being pulmonary (14%) and cardiac (9%). Patient follow-up ranged from 3 to 137 months, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 21 months. The mean length of hospital stay was 12 days. There was a 0% incidence of total flap failure and a 7% incidence of partial flap necrosis. CONCLUSION Although technically challenging, successful microvascular free flap reconstruction can be achieved despite the presence of vascular calcifications affecting the flap vascular pedicle.

A Prospective Study of Preoperative Computed Tomographic Angiographic Mapping of Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction

In designing an osteocutaneous fibula flap, poor planning, aberrant anatomy, or inadequate perforators may necessitate modification of the flap design, exploration of the contralateral leg, or additional flap harvest. The authors studied the predictive power of computed tomographic angiography in osteocutaneous fibula flap planning and execution. The authors studied a prospective cohort of 40 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative computed tomographic angiography mapping of the peroneal artery and its perforators and subsequent free fibula flap reconstruction of mandibular or maxillary defects. The authors compared their analysis of perforator anatomy, peroneal artery origin, and fibula length with intraoperative clinical findings. Overall, computed tomographic angiography identified 94.9 percent of the cutaneous perforators found intraoperatively. Clinically, perforators were located an average of 8.7 mm from their predicted locations. The peroneal artery origin from the tibioperoneal trunk averaged 6.0 mm from its predicted location. The average length of the fibula differed from the predicted length by 8.0 mm. Computed tomographic angiography accurately predicted perforators as either septocutaneous or musculocutaneous 93.0 percent of the time. Perforator size was accurately predicted 66.7 percent of the time. Skin islands and osteotomies were modified in 25.0 percent of the cases on the basis of computed tomographic angiography findings. Two patients had hypoplastic posterior tibial arteries, prompting selection of the contralateral leg. There were no total flap or skin paddle losses. Computed tomographic angiography accurately predicted the course and location of the peroneal artery and perforators; perforator size was less accurately estimated. Computed tomographic angiography provides valuable information to facilitate osteocutaneous fibula flap harvest.

Flow‐through fibula flap using soleus branch as distal runoff: A case report

The flow-through fibula flap utilizing the soleus branch as a distal runoff has not yet been reported. We herein present a patient with left tibial adamantimoma in whom wide resection of the tumor resulted in a segmental tibial defect 22 cm in length. The defect was successfully reconstructed with a flow-through free fibula osteocutaneous flap using the soleus branch of the peroneal artery as a distal runoff. The short T-segment of the peroneal artery was interposed to the transected posterior tibial artery. The soleus branch has a constant anatomy and a larger diameter than the distal stump of the peroneal artery. Short interposed flow-through anastomosis to the major vessels is much easier and more reliable than the conventional methods. We believe that our method represents a versatile option for vascularized fibula bone grafting for extremity reconstruction.

Microvascular reconstruction of the mandible: An argument for the fibula osteocutaneous free flap

Introduction/objectiveThe fibula osteocutaneous free flap has been a workhorse for mandibular reconstruction since Hidalgo's original description for its use for this purpose. The objective of this manuscript is to review the use of the fibula flap in mandibular reconstruction and to answer some of the commonly held misconceptions as to why some surgeons view it as an inferior reconstructive option to the vascularized iliac crest flap. Materials/methodsReview of the literature as it relates to the use of the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction and the senior author's experience. ResultsThe bicortical nature of the fibula provides a stable platform for endosseous implant placement, thus allowing for comprehensive oral rehabilitation and improving the quality of life in reconstructed patients. The fibula osteocutaneous free flap, however, is the longest vascularized bone flap available, allowing for reconstruction of the entire mandible. Given these attributes, it would seem unlikely that doubts regarding the adequacy of the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction exists. However, the principal arguments challenging the use of the fibula osteocutaneous free flap are the lack of height of the reconstructed fibula compared to the native mandible, unreliable skin perforators to support a skin paddle, insufficient soft tissue coverage, and the presence of vascular anomalies which may preclude its use. These presumed shortcomings are circumvented with various proven techniques to increase fibular height and anatomic studies demonstrating the cutaneous perforator patterns. ConclusionsWith these simple solutions in mind, the fibula osteocutaneous free flap will likely remain a workhorse for mandibular reconstruction, allowing for the reconstruction of virtually any oromandibular defect. It allows for both aesthetic, as well as, functional reconstruction of the mandible.

Compartment syndrome at the fibula flap's donor site and salvage by anerolateral thigh chimeric flap

We report a challenging case of chimeric anterolateralthigh flap reconstruction to cover peroneus longus andcalcaneal tendons exposure as a consequence of a donorsite compartment syndrome after fibula flap harvesting.A 61-year-old patient was referred to the Maxillo-Fa-cial Unit for a squamous cell carcinoma (T4-N3-M0) ofthe buccal mucosa involving the inferior premolar alveo-lar ridge. The patient underwent right emi-mandibulec-tomy, tumor en-bloc excision, and bilateral radical neckdissection. An immediate reconstruction was performedwith a free osteocutaneous fibula flap with two differentskin paddles. The first one was used to reconstruct theskin defect and the second one to reconstruct the mucosaldefect. The donor site was closed by direct suture undertension. A suction drain was positioned.The initial postoperative period was uneventful. Onthe fifth postoperative day, the negative-pressure drainagewas pulled out. A week after surgery, the donor site wasedematous and dark brown fluid flowed from the wound.Only mild pain occurred with active or passive movementof the toes. During the second week after surgery, theswelling and dark fluid secretion from the donor sitebecame more obvious. A necrotic area appeared in thecontext of donor site closure; this area rapidly increasedits dimensions in a few days. The only clinical symptomstill was a mild pain. Two weeks from surgery, the clini-cal diagnosis was compartment syndrome, due to exces-sive tension.This compartment syndrome led to a large loss ofskin and muscles of the lateral compartment of the legwith peroneus longus tendon and part of calcaneal tendonexposure (Fig. 1), then the patient was referred to ourPlastic Surgery Unit in order to plan a repair.After a surgical debridement, a two week of VacuumAssisted Closure

New modified free chimeric fibular flap design for head and neck reconstruction

The free fibular osteocutaneous flap is a commonly used flap for mandible and buccal mucosa reconstruction in head and neck cancer surgery. However, the skin paddle restriction from the intermuscular septum often limits the soft tissue reconstruction. We have proposed a new modified chimeric fibular osteocutaneous flap design based on the combination of a traditional fibular flap and a peroneal artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap to overcome the restriction from intermuscular septum. We successfully applied this modified chimeric free fibular osteocutaneous flap design to 2 patients after buccal cancer wide excision surgery. The modified free chimeric fibular flap can be easily applied to a segmental defect over the mandible and adjacent soft tissue without restrictions between the bone and the skin paddle. Furthermore, this skin paddle design can also serve as an extra skin paddle to reconstruct an outer cheek skin defect.

Reconstructive indications of simultaneous double free flaps in the head and neck: A case series and literature review

Extensive and complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical and functional subunits are a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the reconstructive indications of the use of simultaneous double free flaps in head and neck oncological surgery. This is a retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of head and neck malignancies treated surgically with resection and reconstruction with simultaneous use of double free flaps. Nineteen of 21 patients had T4 primary tumor stage. Eleven patients had prior history of radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy. Forty-two free flaps were used in these patients. The predominant combination was that of free fibula osteo-cutaneous flap with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) fascio-cutaneous flap. The indications of the simultaneous use of double free flaps can be broadly classified as: (a) large oro-mandibular bone and soft tissue defects (n = 13), (b) large oro-mandibular soft tissue defects (n = 4), (c) complex skull-base defects (n = 2), and (d) dynamic total tongue reconstruction (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 95%. Median follow-up period was 11 months. Twelve patients were alive and free of disease at the end of the follow-up. Eighteen of 19 patients with oro-mandibular and glossectomy defects were able to resume an oral diet within two months while one patient remained gastrostomy dependant till his death due to disease not related to cancer. This patient had a combination of free fibula flap with free ALT flap, for an extensive oro-mandibular defect. The associated large defect involving the tongue accounted for the swallowing difficulty. Simultaneous use of double free flap aided the reconstruction in certain large complex defects after head and neck oncologic resections. Such combination permits better complex multiaxial subunit reconstruction. An algorithm for choice of flap combination for the appropriate indications is proposed.

Quadriplegia secondary to cervical spondylotic myelopathy—A rare complication of head and neck surgery

Free tissue reconstruction after ablation of head and neck malignancy often requires extensive cervical manipulation, which may exacerbate preexisting cervical spondylosis and result in progression to cervical myelopathy. We present a rare case of postoperative quadriplegia caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy after head and neck reconstruction. A 63-year-old man without a history of cervical spondylosis underwent resection of a gingivo-buccal squamous cell carcinoma with immediate reconstruction with free fibula osteocutaneous flap. On postoperative day 4, the patient was found to have quadriplegia. MRI demonstrated severe cervical myelopathy. Decompressive laminectomy was performed. The patient underwent an extensive rehabilitation program but only realized moderate improvement. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a rare but disastrous complication of head and neck surgery. We hypothesize that it is potentially avoidable with heightened awareness of this disease entity, preoperative identification of patients at risk, and prophylactic interventions