[Mandibular reconstruction using free vascularized fibula transplant]

Abstract

Free revascularized fibular transplants have been used in surgery for the reconstruction of long bones since 1973. The reconstruction of the mandible using a free fibular transplant has been published in 1989 only by Hidalgo. The mandible and the fibula have little in common, except for their length and a similar structure in section. The anatomical study of the free osteofasciocutaneous fibular graft included 20 fresh subjects. The vascularization of the fasciocutaneous plate is either grouped or, more frequently, tiered (2/3 of cases). The technique to remove this graft is specified. Four clinical cases are reported, including three cases of neoplasm of the floor of the mouth invading the mandible, and one case of traumatic amputation of the lower part of the face. A free composed transplant taken from the fibula has been used in all four cases. The postoperative period was normal, and the grafts were completely successful. The main indications of free transplants made of fibular bone are: extensive (more than 8 cm) or compound losses of bony substance from the mandible. The richly vascularized transplant take from the fibula is very sophisticated and performant. The length of bone that can be removed is 25 cm; the bone may be osteotomized in 2 to 4 fragments retaining their vitality. Other tissular structures such as the skin, fascia, muscle, are removed with the bone. The independence in space is threefold and regards the bone, the teguments and the vascular pedicle. The microsurgical qualities of the vascular pedicle are considerable. These free transplants improve the quality of survival (endosseous implants in one case). The morphological, functional and esthetic result is good as a rule.