Vertical distraction osteogenesis for implant installation on the reconstructed mandible with free fibular flap

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The fibular free flap is now considered as the first choice for long mandibular discontinuity defect. In spite of its good bone quality for implant installation, its diameter is too narrow to rehabilitate the masticatory function with implant installation. In this report, distraction osteogenesis was used for the augmentation of bone to install the dental implant in the mandible which was reconstructed with a vascularized fibular free flap.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three patients undertook the vertical augmentation of grafted fibular bone and dental implants were installed. On the day 8 post-surgery, the activation of the distractor was started at the rate of 1 mm twice a day. The total amount of distraction was 15 mm in two patients and 12.5 mm in one patient. Twelve implants were installed in three patients. Dental implants were simultaneously installed during removal of the distraction device in two patients. In one patient, the implant installation was delayed after device had been removed. All three patients showed the symptoms of mild to severe postoperative infection during the activation and consolidation. However, the distracted site showed undisturbed bone regeneration.CONCLUSION: The distraction osteogenesis showed the reliable results for the vertical augmentation of fibular bone which was used for the mandibular reconstruction. However, the great tendency of postoperative infection must be considered and clinically controlled.