[Reconstruction of the mandible and soft tissue defects with the osteomyocutaneous free fibula flap].
OBJECTIVE
In order to ascertain a material that is ideal both for reconstruction of the composite mandibular defects and for osseointegrated implantation.


METHODS
Fifteen osteomyocutaneous fibula flaps were transferred for reconstruction of the mandible and surrounding soft tissues. The characters of the blood supply of the flap, the operation course, the relation of the fibula and dental implants were observed.


RESULTS
The osteomyocutaneous fibula flap was supplied by double vessels. The blood supply was reliable even after the fibula was cut into several segments. Periosteal circulation was its main blood supply. The postoperative contour and function of the mandibular region were good. The flap also favours dental implants and denture.


CONCLUSIONS
The osteomyocutaneous fibula flap was the ideal material to reconstruct the defects of mandible and surrounding soft tissues.
Li
N
N
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
Jia
M
M
Yuan
R
R
D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps