Search Results (8)

Background: Neocondylar formation is an uncommon finding that can result after the reconstruction of a vascularized free flap. Three case reports were presented in the current article. (1) A 64-year-old male presented with clear cell Odontogenic Carcinoma to the left mandible. (2) A 14-year-old male presented with an ameloblastoma to the right mandibular associated with tooth 48. (3) A 13-year-old female presented with an ameloblastoma to the right mandible. Methods and Results: All three cases required a surgical resection of the mandible involving the temporomandibular joint. Reconstruction was performed using a vascularized free flap, and Neocondylar formation was observed during the healing process in all three cases. Neocondylar formation after a vascularized free flap reconstruction can improve anatomical functions such as mastication and decrease post-operative complications. Knowledge of this finding can improve future surgical treatment planning and outcome. Conclusion: This report contributes to the existing literature by offering new insights into neo-condylar formation following mandibular reconstruction with vascularized free fibular flap, particularly in complex resective surgeries, and highlights its potential clinical implications. Full article

Background: Post-radiation fractures are a significant complication of cancer treatment, often being challenging to manage and impacting patients’ quality of life. This study systematically reviews the literature on fractures in irradiated bones, focusing on risk factors, treatment modalities, and prevention strategies. Factors increasing fracture risk include exposure to high doses of radiation of at least 50 Gy, female gender, menopausal age, and periosteal stripping. Additionally further risk factors are the size of the original tumor and osteoporosis. Methods: A search of PubMed yielded 541 articles, with 4 were ultimately included in the review. These retrospective studies focused on patients undergoing Combined Limb-Sparing Surgery and Radiation Therapy for soft tissue sarcoma. Results: Results show post-radiation fractures affect approximately 4% of patients, with the femur being the most frequently affected site. Intramedullary nailing emerges as the gold standard treatment, with prosthetic replacement or megaprostheses used in the metaepiphyseal region and as salvage procedures. Non-union and infection remain formidable complications. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of prophylactic nailing in fracture prevention and the efficacy of free vascularized fibular flaps to achieve bone union during revision surgeries. Limited case availability and patient follow-up hinder comprehensive studies, impacting treatment outcomes. Full article

The objective of this study was to analyze the outcomes of the free vascularized fibular flap in the reconstruction of mandibular defects, and to assess the oral health impact profile of these patients before surgery and after oral rehabilitation. Patients requiring reconstruction of defects greater than 6 cm were selected for this study. The defect size and type, the size of the required skin paddle, the need for second flaps, the intraoperative complications, and the type of closure were documented. Patients were evaluated postoperatively for function, aesthetics, and donor- or reconstruction-site complications. The validated oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires were filled before and after surgery and after dental rehabilitation. This study included 11 cases of squamous-cell carcinomas, 2 cases of malignant nerve sheath tumors, and 1 case each of malignant melanoma, ameloblastoma, giant-cell tumor, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. The analysis revealed a significant association (p = 0.030) of gender with free vascular flap complications, while no significant association (p > 0.05) was found when donor- and recipient- site complications, as well as the type of resection (Brown’s classification), were compared with free vascular flaps. Moreover, the total OHIP-14 scores for patients before surgery, after surgery, and after dental rehabilitation were 12.03 ± 1.34, 10.66 ± 1.41, and 08.33 ± 0.62, respectively. The oral health-related quality of life was markedly improved after the reconstruction of the mandibular defects with free vascularized fibular flap and dental rehabilitation. The overall success rate of fibular flap in our study was 72.2%, which is lower than that reported in the literature. This may be attributed to the fact that almost all of our cases included large segmental defects that extended across the midline of the mandible. Full article

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant cancer of the oral cavity. Metastasis involvement is one of the most relevant prognostic factors in terms of survival probability. Patients with oral cancers often undergo extensive en bloc resective surgery of the mandible and maxilla, with or without cervical nodal dissection, based on the presence or occult risk of regional metastases. Several factors affect the choice of flap, to recover aesthetics and function. Case Presentation: The case of a 60-year-old man who underwent maxillectomy with neck dissection as well as a reconstruction with a combination of multiple vascularized free flaps is presented. Conclusions: The excellent integration of the free flaps and the total absence of complications led to a high-quality aesthetic and functional performance of the reconstruction obtained through two different flaps. More specifically, the fibular free flap for bone reconstruction allows a two-team approach and maintains an excellent vascularization, even in case of several osteotomies for the maxillary reconstruction as reported. In addition, the use of free radial forearm flap for soft tissue reconstruction permits to obtain long caliber vessels, thus facilitating surgery without repositioning of the patient during surgery and therefore, consequently reducing surgery times. Full article

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is widely used in preoperative evaluation of the lower limbs’ vascular system for virtual surgical planning (VSP) of fibula free flap (FFF) for jaw reconstruction. The present retrospective clinical study analysed n = 72 computed tomography angiographies (CTA) of lower limbs for virtual surgical planning (VSP) for jaw reconstruction. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the morphology of the fibular bone and its vascular supply in CTA imaging, and further, the amount and distribution of periosteal branches (PB) and septo-cutaneous perforators (SCPs) of the fibular artery. A total of 144 lower limbs was assessed (mean age: 58.5 ± 15.3 years; 28 females, 38.9%; 44 males, 61.1%). The vascular system was categorized as regular (type I-A to II-C) in 140 cases (97.2%) regarding the classification by Kim. Absent anterior tibial artery (type III-A, n = 2) and posterior tibial artery (type III-B, n = 2) were detected in the left leg. Stenoses were observed mostly in the fibular artery (n = 11), once in the anterior tibial artery, and twice in the posterior tibial artery. In total, n = 361 periosteal branches (PBs) and n = 231 septo-cutaneous perforators (SCPs) were recorded. While a distribution pattern for PBs was separated into two clusters, a more tripartite distribution pattern for SCPs was found. We conclude that conventional CTA for VSP of free fibula flap (FFF) is capable of imaging and distinguishing SCPs and PBs. Full article

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is one of the described phenomena after maxillofacial reconstructive surgery using fibular free flap (FFF) at the reception-site. The aim of this study was to determine the radiological incidence and form of HO along the fibular vascular pedicle as well as the rate of clinical symptoms if present. CT-scans of 102 patients who underwent jaw reconstructive surgery by using FFF from January 2005 to December 2019 were evaluated concerning the presence of HO. Subsequently, the patient files were evaluated to identify the cases with clinical signs and complications related to the presence of HO. A radiological classification of four different HO types was developed. Out of 102 patients, 29 (28.43%) presented radiological findings of HO. Clinical symptoms were recorded in 10 cases (9.8%) (dysphagia (n = 5), trismus (n = 3), bony masses (n = 2)) and from these only five (4.9%) needed surgical removal of calcified structures. HO occurs significantly in younger patients (mean 52.3 year). In maxillary reconstructions, HO was radiologically visible six months earlier than after mandibular reconstruction. Furthermore, HO is observed after every third maxilla and every fourth mandible reconstruction. This study developed for the first time a classification of four distinct HO patterns. HO types 1 and 2 were mostly observed after mandible reconstruction and type 4 predominantly after maxilla reconstruction. Full article

The free vascularized fibular graft is nowadays the preferred technique for pediatric mandibular reconstruction. Despite the versatility and proven efficacy for restoring the facial appearance and maxillomandibular function, those mandibular reconstructions with free vascularized fibula associate difficulties for a simultaneous restoration of the alveolar height and facial contour, which are derived from the height discrepancy between the fibula and the native mandible. In addition, the donor-site growth and morbidity are of special concern in the pediatric patient. We report a novel technique for pediatric mandibular reconstruction, in an 11-year-old girl, using a combination of a bone allograft segment with a vascularized fibular periosteal flap (VFPF), after resection of an Ewing sarcoma located at the right body of the mandible. The patient has showed optimal cosmetic, functional, and radiological outcomes, which have been maintained for 2.5 years, without detecting donor-site complications. Through this original technique, and based on the powerful osteogenic and vasculogenic properties of the pediatric VFPFs, we could effectively reconstruct a large mandibular defect providing a functional and aesthetic reconstruction, while avoiding the potential morbidity associated with the fibula resection. Full article

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor. These are usually asymptomatic until a large size is attained. Ameloblastoma has tendency to spread locally and has a high recurrence rate. Majority of ameloblastomas (80%) arise from the mandible. Ameloblastoma arising from anterior mandibular region (symphysis- menti) is rare. Very few cases of midline anterior ameloblastomas are reported in the literature. They often require wide local excision. Reconstruction of mandible in these cases is challenging. We present a case of mandibular ameloblastoma arising from symphysis- menti. Patient underwent wide surgical excision of the tumor followed by immediate reconstruction using free fibular vascular flap, stabilized with titanium reconstructive plates. A brief case report ands review of literature is presented. Full article