ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the application of vascularized free fibula flaps in reconstruction of mandibular defect,and to evaluate the survival rate and repair effect of the method.Methods 16 patients with mandibular tumor,having a desire to reconstruct mandible,and their systemic state could tolerate the long time operation, were selected to reconstruct mandibular defect by vascularized fibula flaps,of which 12 were male,4 female,aged 24-66 years old,average 45.2 years old.The resection of primary tumor and free fibula flaps were simultaneously conducted,then the fibular flaps were shaped according to the defect location and size of the mandible,and were fixed with reconstructive titanium plate for repair and reconstruction of mandible. The survival of flaps was determined by skin color, texture, and skin temperature of the flaps. The reconstruction effects were evaluated through the patients’surface like photos and X-ray picture of mandible before and after operation.Results All of flaps were survived and no serious complications were found. The complications of the supplied sites were skin tension and wound dehiscence, which were healed by dressing. The mandibular reconstruction effects were good through 2 or more persons’double blind evaluation.Conclusion Free fibula flaps have high survival rate and good results in mandibular reconstruction,and they can meet the needs of various types of mandibular defect repair.