Condylar prostheses in head and neck cancer reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the use of condylar prostheses after mandibular resection for tumor.


METHODS
Case series and literature review.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Four patients underwent condylar reconstruction with metallic condylar prostheses after hemimandibulectomy for either squamous cell cancer or Ewing sarcoma.


METHODS
Complications related to the condylar prostheses.


RESULTS
Clinical and radiological follow-up in these patients revealed several complications, including exposure or extrusion of the prosthesis and migration of the prosthesis into the epitympanum, resulting in profound sensorineural hearing loss owing to bony destruction of the cochlea. Two of our patients required removal of the mandibular hardware because of the seriousness of the complications, and 1 of the 2 underwent reconstruction of the condyle with a fibular free flap.


CONCLUSIONS
Metallic condylar prostheses in the setting of tumor resection and reconstruction involve significant risks. Autogenous materials, such as vascularized bone grafts, should be used whenever possible.
Patel
A
A
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Box 396, Mayo Bldg, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Maisel
R
R
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020878:Device Removal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000601:surgery*; D008341:Mandibular Prosthesis; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012512:Sarcoma, Ewing / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed