ABSTRACT
Background@#The pedicled buccal fat pad has been used for a long time to reconstruct oral defects due to its ease of flap formation and few complications. Many cases related to reconstruction of defects in the maxilla, such as closing the oroantral fistula, have been reported, but cases related to the reconstruction of defects in the mandible are limited. Under adequate anterior traction, pedicled buccal fat pad can be a reliable and effective method for reconstruction of surgical defects in the posterior mandible.Case presentation: This study describes two cases of reconstruction of surgical oral defects in the posterior mandible, all of which were covered by a pedicled buccal fat pad. The size of the flap was sufficient to perfectly close the defect without any tension. Photographic and radiologic imaging showed successful closure of the defects and no problems were noted in the treated area. @*Conclusion@#In conclusion, the pedicled buccal fat pad graft is a convenient and reliable method for the reconstruction of surgical defects on the posterior mandible.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Chondroblastomas, which account for approximately 1% of all bone tumors, typically occur in long bones, such as the femur, humerus, and tibia. However, in extremely rare cases, they may also occur in the craniofacial region where the tumor is often found in the squamous portion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and in the temporal bone.Case presentation: This case report describes a large chondroblastoma (diameter, approximately 37 mm) that occurred in the TMJ. The tumor was sufficiently aggressive to destroy the TMJ, mandibular condyle neck, external auditory canal (EAC), mandibular fossa of the temporal bone, and facial nerve. The tumor was completely excised using a pre-auricular approach. The EAC and surgical defect were successfully reconstructed using a temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) and an inguinal free fat graft. There was no local tumor recurrence at the 18-month follow-up visits. However, the patient developed sensory neural hearing loss, and his eyebrow paralysis worsened, eventually requiring plastic surgery. @*Conclusion@#Large, invasive chondroblastomas of the TMJ can be completely removed through a pre-auricular approach, and the resulting surgical defect can be reconstructed using TPFF and free fat grafts. However, preoperative evaluation of the facial nerve and auditory function is necessary. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is essential.