Donor-site complications in vascularized bone flap surgery.
Microvascular osteocutaneous free flaps have given reconstructive surgeons a powerful tool in the reconstruction of composite defects in head and neck surgery. Radial forearm, scapula, iliac crest, and fibula flaps have been used extensively in mandibular reconstruction. The inevitable donor-site morbidity of these osteocutaneous flaps has received less attention than the reconstructive advantages. We have reviewed the literature for each type of flap to determine the kind, incidence, and consequences of flap associated morbidity. In the future, tissue-engineered prefabricated free flaps might play an important role.
Hartman
Ed H M
EH
Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. hartman@nvpc.nl
Spauwen
Paul H M
PH
Jansen
John A
JA
D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps