[Fibula free flap for reconstruction of extensive mandibular osteoradionecrosis].
OBJECTIVE
Treatment of mandibular osteoradionecrosis is always a therapeutic challenge. The aim of this article is to evaluate the interest of fibula free flap for mandible reconstruction after radical excision of osteoradionecrotic lesions.


METHODS
Six consecutives cases of extensive osteoradionecrosis of the mandible were treated with fibula free flap reconstruction. We report a meticulous analysis of the cosmetic and functional results.


RESULTS
All vascularized fibula osteocutaneous flaps transplanted were successful. Median hospital stay was 32 days. At 6 months, functional results (swallowing, mouth opening and speech) were good. All patients had sufficient oral intake and a comprehensible speech with just two patients requiring a soft diet and 1 patient retaining a moderate trismus.


CONCLUSIONS
Extensive mandibular osteoradionecrosis requires a radical surgical treatment. Fibula free flap is the best solution for mandible reconstruction in this situation. This technique allows good functional results.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibula free flap is the method of choice for mandible reconstruction after radical treatment of osteoradionecrosis.
Bozec
A
A
Département d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et de Chirurgie Carcinologique de la Face et du Cou, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 33 avenue de Valombrose, 06189 Nice Cedex. alex.bozec@freesbee.fr
Poissonnet
G
G
Converset
S
S
Vallicioni
J
J
Demard
F
F
Dassonville
O
O
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000637:transplantation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps