title: Chimeric lateral supramalleolar artery perforator fibula free flap in the reconstruction of composite head and neck defects.
abstract: The authors evaluate the use of an osteomyocutaneous fibula free flap, combined in a chimeric fashion, with a lateral supramalleolar flap, in 10 patients with composite head and neck defects. All reconstructions were performed successfully. With the exception of one patient who died after disease recurrence, all patients were decannulated and resumed an oral diet. Speech intelligibility was good in seven of 10 patients. Dental implants were used in two of 10 patients, with a total of 10 fixtures placed successfully. The donor site healed without complications in all except one case, where necrosis of the skin graft occurred with fungal infection. The chimeric lateral supramalleolar artery perforator fibula free flap may be a valid option for maximizing the quality of life in patients with composite oromandibular defects.
authors.affiliation: Sassari, Sardinia, Italy From the Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari.
authors.forename: Olindo
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Massarelli
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gobbi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Biglio
authors.forename: Damiano
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Soma
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tullio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000637:transplantation; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005360:Fibula / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*