Adjustable Single-Osteotomy Fibular Free Flap for Anterior Mandibular Defects in Irradiated Head and Neck Cancers-A Case Series.

Objective

Reconstructing the anterior mandible in patients with irradiated and contracted soft tissues remains challenging despite advances in computer-assisted design and three-dimensional printing. Unpredictable soft-tissue changes reduce the effectiveness of these technologies. This paper explores an alternative using a single-adjustable-osteotomy fibula flap technique.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on patients with anterior segmental mandibular defects due to recurrent tumors, secondary reconstruction, or osteoradionecrosis and previously received radiotherapy who represented the highest risk of soft tissue complexity while limiting the utility of computer technology. All patients underwent mandible reconstruction using the adjustable, single-osteotomy fibula method, which eliminated the need for computer-assisted design. We evaluated the effectiveness and outcome.

Results

From 2016 to 2023, 11 patients were included in this study. The median patient age was 58 (ranging 49-65) years. Included patients had either recurrent tumors (n = 6), secondary reconstruction needs (n = 3), or mandibular osteoradionecrosis (n = 2). No complete flap failures occurred. Five of six patients with recurrent cancer required two skin island fibular flaps for intraoral and external defect repair. One patient experienced partial skin paddle loss requiring an additional free flap, and another had plate exposure requiring removal after bone union was achieved.

Conclusions

The adjustable single-osteotomy fibula flap technique offers a reliable alternative for anterior mandibular reconstruction in complex cases. This approach demonstrates advantages in surgical simplicity and flexibility while maintaining acceptable outcomes. However, careful patient selection and consideration of defect extent remain crucial for success.