Free scapular osteocutaneous flap for mandibular reconstruction.
Seventeen patients, 4 of whom had osteoradionecrosis, underwent mandibular reconstruction with a revascularized scapular osteocutaneous flap. The mean length of revascularized scapular bone used was 10.4 cm. Nine of the 17 flaps healed uneventfully; however, previously irradiated patients had a higher incidence of postoperative complications. There was only 1 flap failure. We found the free revascularized scapular osteocutaneous flap to be reliable and ideal for the reconstruction of large composite defects of the oral cavity.
Sullivan
M J
MJ
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109.
Baker
S R
SR
Crompton
R
R
Smith-Wheelock
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D010027:Osteotomy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012086:Reoperation; D012782:Shoulder / Q000503:physiopathology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects; D014654:Vascular Patency