ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF THE FIBULA FREE-FLAP IN MANDIBULAR RECONSTRUCTION

Purpose: The authors analyze the advantages and disadvantages of mandi bular reconstruction with a fibula free flap in a retrospective study of 29 cases, and make comparisons with the iliac free flap and the lat eral brachial free flap.Material and Methods: Twenty-nine patients (22 male, 7 female) aged 5 to 70 years were studied. Functional and esthe tic evaluations were performed together with radiologic examination of the bony calluses. Results: The fibula free flap has advantages for m andibular reconstruction, such as the length of bone available, low mo rbidity of the donor site, and the possibility of using a skin paddle. However, there is the disadvantage of not being able to reconstruct l arge soft tissue defects. In addition, bone vascularization is reduced when a large number of osteotomies are required. Conclusion: This rec onstruction technique is satisfactory for mandibular defects measuring over 20 cm.