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Primary oromandibular reconstruction using free flaps and thorp plates in cancer patients: A 5‐year experience
Author(s) -
Poli Tito,
Ferrari Silvano,
Bianchi Bernardo,
Sesenna Enrico
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.10181
Subject(s) - medicine , soft tissue , surgery , stage (stratigraphy) , reconstructive surgery , free flap , dentistry , paleontology , biology
Background. Low‐profile second‐generation THORP titanium plates combined with soft tissues free flaps (forearm or TRAM) can be used for oromandibular reconstruction in patients with SCC in advanced stage (stage III–IV). Methods. To evaluate long‐term stability and possible complications of this reconstructive technique, we recorded, retrospectively, data of 25 patients with posterolateral oromandibular defects after tumor resection collected during a 5‐year period. Results. All free flaps were successfully transferred, although eight patients were initially seen with delayed hardware‐related reconstructive complications: plate exposure in four patients and plate fracture in four patients. Conclusions. Nowadays, the state‐of‐the‐art treatment for mandibular defects is primary bone reconstruction with bone free flaps, but in selected cases (elderly patients, poor performance status, posterolateral oromandibular defects, soft tissue defects much more important than bone defects) the association with THORP plate‐soft tissue free flaps represents a good reconstructive choice. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 000–000, 2002