Oral rehabilitation outcomes after free fibula reconstruction of the mandible without condylar restoration.

PURPOSE: Resection of the posterior mandible for tumor or osteonecrosis may include the mandibular condyle, an integral part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Condylar reconstruction, including use of prostheses, the native condylar head, or part of the fibula, all have associated drawbacks including skull base erosion and the potential for ankylosis and TMJ dysfunction as well as the increased difficulty associated with trying to recapitulate the TMJ with high fidelity. We report our experience leaving a single side of the reconstructed mandible unsecured to the glenoid fossa, allowing the mandible to "hang." We hypothesized that a good functional recovery may be achieved with this simple approach while avoiding the potential for ankylosis and TMJ dysfunction.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing free fibula reconstruction of the mandible with condylar removal was performed. Outcomes were determined by maximum interincisal opening, occlusion, and diet after full recovery.

RESULTS

Six patients were studied. Two had condylar reconstruction with a contoured fibular head secured to the glenoid fossa. One of them had progressive postoperative trismus and ankylosis. One patient was reconstructed with the native condyle rigidly fixed to the fibula flap, complicated by avascular necrosis requiring condylar resection, with good function afterward. Three patients were left to "hang." All 3 had either normal or improved function after surgery. Two had slight ipsilateral deviation on mouth opening.

CONCLUSIONS

Function can reliably be reestablished after segmental mandibulectomy and condylectomy with a vascularized fibula flap whose distal end is not precisely contoured or actively seated in the glenoid fossa, as a valid alternative to condylar reconstruction.