title: Use of the free fibula flap for restoration of orbital support and midfacial projection following maxillectomy.
abstract: A total maxillectomy defect, if left unreconstructed or if poorly reconstructed, can lead to enophthalmos, orbital dystopia, feeding and speech problems, and loss of midfacial projection and vertical facial height. When the eye is preserved, despite resection of the supporting infraorbital bone during maxillectomy, bone reconstruction needs to be considered, using a vascularized bone flap. The authors have used the free fibula flap to simultaneously provide orbital support and restore midfacial projection in three patients, following total maxillectomy without orbital exenteration. For large maxillectomy defects with insufficient bony support, a free fibula flap should be considered as a reconstructive method, to adequately restore contour and the necessary structural support, and to provide optimal aesthetic and functional results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Howard N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Langstein
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008444:Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*