[Repair of maxillary defects by free forearm flap and titanium mesh].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical effect of free forearm flap and titanium mesh in repairing maxillary defects.


METHODS
From January 2002 to November 2002, partial maxillectomy or maxillectomy were performed in 3 patients with maxillary gingival carcinoma, in 1 patient with palatine mucoepicermoid carcinoma and in 1 patient with maxillary sinus carcinoma. Maxillary defects were reconstructed with free forearm flaps ranging from 4 cm x 5 cm to 6 cm x 7 cm and titanium mesh. The effect was estimated by clinical examination, CT and nasopharyngoscope.


RESULTS
Five cases were followed up 5-15 months. All the flaps were alive. Facial, alveolar process and palatal contours were restored well. Epithelium was found on the nostril surface of the titanium mesh. The functions of speech and chew were restored well.


CONCLUSIONS
A combination of the free forearm flap and titanium mesh is an ideal method in reconstruction of maxillary defects.
Zhang
Senlin
S
Department of Stomatology, Nanjing General Hospital of PLA, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210002, PR China.
Meng
Zhaoye
Z
Dong
Zhen
Z
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D010157:Palatal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium