title: Rib Composite Flap With Intercostal Nerve and Internal Thoracic Vessels for Mandibular Reconstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to present the outcome and discuss the feasibility of rib composite flap with intercostal nerve and internal thoracic vessels for reconstructing mandibular defect.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rib composite flaps have been used in 82 patients for reconstructing benign tumor-caused large mandibular defects: 66 of the 82 patients were reconstructed using rib composite flap with intercostal nerve and internal thoracic vessels, whereas the other 16 patients were reconstructed using rib composite flap with internal thoracic vessels, without intercostal nerve. After operation, clinical observation, imageological examination, and sensory detection were used to evaluate the effect of reconstruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All rib composite flaps with intercostal nerve and internal thoracic vessels were successfully harvested and transplanted. Both immediate and long-term examination showed good appearance reconstruction. All followed-up patients conveyed good satisfaction degree with function and appearance reconstruction. Postoperative panoramic x-ray examination showed new bone formation between the transplanted rib and mandibular stump. Good recoveries of mandibular nerve sensory were observed when followed up after reconstruction surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rib composite flap with intercostal nerve and internal thoracic vessels could be a promising method for reconstruction of mandibular defects.
authors: *Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng †Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biomimetic Materials, Tsinghua University, Beijing ‡Department of Clinical Laboratory, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China.
authors: Bin
authors: B
authors: Zhang
authors: Ke-Yi
authors: KY
authors: Li
authors: Li-Cheng
authors: LC
authors: Jiang
authors: Zhen
authors: Z
authors: Meng
authors: Xiu-Mei
authors: XM
authors: Wang
authors: Fu-Zhai
authors: FZ
authors: Cui
authors: Ying-Nan
authors: YN
authors: Zhu
authors: Ya-Ping
authors: YP
authors: Wu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007367:Intercostal Nerves / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008338:Mandibular Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D063175:Mandibular Reconstruction / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012272:Ribs / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation*; D013895:Thoracic Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult