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A critical assessment of the fibula flap donor site
Author(s) -
Xu ZhongFei,
Bai Shuang,
Zhang ZhiQiang,
Duan WeiYi,
Wang ZhiQiang,
Sun ChangFu
Publication year - 2017
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.24581
Subject(s) - medicine , fibula , heel , ankle , surgery , head and neck , free flap , anatomy , tibia
Background The free fibula flap has become popular for mandibular reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to propose comprehensive functional assessments of the donor site. Methods Thirty free fibula flaps for mandible reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in the study. Objective assessments included isokinetic testing of the ankle joint, electromyographic examination of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), and preoperative and postoperative foot scans. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to subjectively assess the donor site. Results The isokinetic values of the donor side showed a significant decrease 1 year postoperatively. The results of the electromyographic test of the SPN were categorized as 3 types. The plantar center pressure shifted to the heel on the donor side 6 months postoperatively. The aesthetic outcome was satisfactory. Conclusion The functional parameters of the donor site indeed declined in our assessments. Further refinements in the surgical technique are needed to improve the donor site status. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 279–287, 2017