Determining the optimal osteotomy distance with the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Fibula free tissue transfer is a common and reliable method for mandibular reconstruction. Functional outcomes from this procedure are dependent on the successful union of the osseous segments postoperatively. This study was conducted to define the maximum gap-size criteria for osseous union to occur at osteotomy sites in fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of computed tomography and medical records was conducted on patients who underwent fibula free flap surgery and had imaging of the mandible at <3 months and >6 months after surgery. Distances between osteotomies were measured and evaluated for interval healing. Secondary data included subject age, sex, smoking status, diabetes, number of osteotomies, complications, and adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Thirty-eight osteotomy sites were analyzed from thirteen subjects and a total of 190 measurements were made. The mean gap size at the first scan that demonstrated union by the second scan interval was 1.31 mm and mean gap size demonstrating non-union was 2.55 mm (p < 0.01). Complication rate, number of osetotomies, adjuvant therapy, or medical co-morbidities did not significantly affect rates of union. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, osseous union was achieved with a mean osteotomy gap size of 1.31 mm. The data suggests that distances between ossesous segments >2 .55mm have a higher risk of non-union. We believe the information from this study will help augment current and future techniques in the field of mandible reconstruction.

Analysis of island flaps of distal pedicled sural nerve accompanying blood vascular for 21 cases of lower extremity soft tissue defects reconstruction / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the characterristics of distally based sural flap for the leg reconstruction.Methods Twenty-one patients with soft tissue defects in the instep,heel,ankle and distall one third anterior tibial region were analyzed.Results All flaps survived and healed with the affected area.Conclusion Distally based sural flap was reliable flap without sacrifice of major arteries.It can be used reliably for instep,heel,ankle and distal one third anterior tibial region.

Postoperative management of free flap transfer for the repair of the defects in head and neck region / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To summarize the experience in the postopera ti ve management of free flap transfer for the repair of the defects in head and ne ck region. Methods:Thirty three free flaps were transfere d to repair head and neck defects.The factors that may influence the survive of the flaps,and the way that may be used to handle those problems were analyzed. Result: Thirty two of the thirty three free flaps surviv ed and one was lost. The overall free flap success rate was 97.0% .Thrombosis of vein developed in 2 patients. By flap salvage, one flap survived,the other ex perienced total failure. The total postoperative complication rate was 36.4% inc luding thrombosis,infection,bleeding,wound break and so on.Corresponding treatme nt was given and all the flaps were kept except one mentioned above. Conclution:The most common complications in free flaps transfer are v essel thrombosis and hematoma. Timely salvage can prevent the necrosis of the flaps