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Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap
Author(s) -
Crosby Melissa A.,
Martin Jack W.,
Robb Geoffrey L.,
Chang David W.
Publication year - 2008
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.20695
Subject(s) - medicine , fibula , deformity , mandible (arthropod mouthpart) , surgery , valgus deformity , contracture , radiography , orthognathic surgery , tibia , botany , biology , genus
Background. The purpose of this study was to address questions concerning the functional outcome following mandibular reconstruction with vascularized fibula flap in skeletally immature children Methods. Eleven patients 14 years old or younger who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a free fibula flap were evaluated. Results. The mean follow‐up was 3.4 years. One flap loss occurred and required a second fibula flap. Panorex radiographs showed good bone union and growth in all patients. Functional outcomes were normal according to age in all patients. Two patients had long‐term malocclusion. No patients had to undergo corrective orthognathic surgery. Donor‐site morbidities consisted of great toe flexion contracture ( n = 4) and a valgus deformity ( n = 1). All patients had a normal gait, and there were no discrepancies in leg length Conclusion. A mandible reconstructed using a vascularized fibula flap appears to grow accordingly as the child grows, with minimal disturbance to the growth pattern of the midface. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008