Midface reconstruction with the fibula free flap.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use, indications, and outcomes of the fibula osteocutaneous free flap when reconstructing the midface.


METHODS
Retrospective review of a case series.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
We evaluated all patients requiring midface reconstruction after tumor resection between January 1, 1994, and January 1, 2000. Twenty-seven individuals who lacked sufficient retentive surfaces and/or teeth to support a conventional prosthesis were offered vascularized bony reconstruction.


METHODS
All patients underwent fibular osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction of the midface: 16 primarily, 11 secondarily.


METHODS
Success of free tissue transfer, perioperative complications, oral diet, speech, type of dental reconstruction, and cosmesis.


RESULTS
Twenty-six of 27 flaps survived. Four patients had wound complications managed successfully with local wound care. Fourteen patients achieved a regular diet and 13 patients maintain a soft diet. Eighteen patients had osseointegrated implants placed, and 14 patients used an implant-borne prosthesis. Cosmetic results were judged to be excellent in 14 patients; good in 8; fair in 4; and poor in 1.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the fibula osteocutaneous free flap to reconstruct the midface is highly reliable and our flap of choice for lower maxillary defects requiring bony reconstruction. However, when orbitozygomatic support is the primary objective, the utility of this flap is limited. Because of the complexity of this procedure, the choice of midface reconstruction technique should be individualized for each patient.
Futran
Neal D
ND
University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Box 356515, Seattle, WA 98195-6515. nfutran@u.washington.edu
Wadsworth
Jeffrey Trad
JT
Villaret
Douglas
D
Farwell
D Gregory
DG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005145:Face / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome