Long-term radiological findings following reconstruction of the condyle with fibular free flaps.
OBJECTIVE
Fibular bone grafts are considered as one of the best choices for reconstruction of the condyle. However, little data are available on bone remodelling after such reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term radiological outcome.


METHODS
Eleven patients underwent condylar reconstruction with a free fibular transplant. In all cases the end of the fibular graft was placed into the glenoid fossa under the intact temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc. Evaluation consisted of digital width and length measurement of the end of the fibula on panorex studies.


RESULTS
Remodelling of the end of the neocondyle was found and consisted of rounding off and narrowing of the end of the transplant.


CONCLUSIONS
The most likely explanation for these changes is the fact that the TMJ disc was preserved.
Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Northside University Hospital, Marseille, France. lguyot@wanadoo.fr
Laurent
L
Guyot
Olivier
O
Richard
Walid
W
Layoun
François
F
Cheynet
Vanessa
V
Bellot-Samson
Cyrille
C
Chossegros
Jean-Louis
JL
Blanc
Raymond
R
Gola
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery; D019224:Temporomandibular Joint Disc / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome