Clinical application of free vascularized bone flaps for reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis of the mandible / 中国肿瘤临床

ABSTRACT

Objective:To assess the effectiveness of free vascularized bone flap transfer for treatment of advanced osteoradionecrosis of the mandible (ORNM). Methods:We reviewed 53 patients who were treated for ORNM by radical resection and reconstruction with free vascularized bone flaps in our institute between January 2003 and January 2015. Results:Among the 53 vascularized bone flap patients, 48 (90.57%) had fibula osteocutaneous and 5 (9.43%) had deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 (10.42%) of the 48 fibula osteocutaneous patients (4 cases of vein thrombosis and 1 case of arterial crisis). In three of these patients, flap was salvaged back to normal in a timely manner by vascular exploratory surgery. However, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was conducted as a second procedure for the other two patients. Meanwhile, complications occurred in 2 (40%) of the 5 DCIA transfer patients (1 case of vein thrombosis and 1 case of arterial crisis). None of these two flaps was salvaged back. Necrosis transfer bone was finally removed. No obvious donor site complications were noted. The mean follow-up time was 28 months. Our results showed that 88.57%of the patients with ORNM were stable, 85.71%of the patients can open their mouth at 2-3 figures, 85.72%of the patients can eat soft or semi-liquid food, and 80%patients can speak clearly and can be understood by others around them. No significant difference was found in mouth opening and face type of the patients with or without the intact condyle. However, the temporomandibular joint area discomfort of the patients with intact condyle was obviously less than that of patients with removed condyle. Conclusion:Radical resection, followed by vascularized bone flaps, especially fibula osteocutaneous, is still the best way to treat ORNM, as long as the indications are chosen appropriately, intraoperative work is conducted properly, and postoperative complications are controlled.