Reconstruction of mandible with free osteocutaneous flap using deep circumflex iliac vessels as the stem.

One of the 2 patients introduced here had osteoradionecrosis, which has been difficult to reconstruct. The other had a massive adamantinoma that required replacement of the mandible from the midportion of the right ramus to the left angle with the iliac bone using the conventional method. The grafted iliac bone was severely absorbed, however. The mandible in both cases was successfully reconstructed with an osteocutaneous compound flap, using the deep circumflex iliac vessels as the stem. This method is considered a very good procedure for reconstruction of the mandible, which has been difficult by conventional procedures. Because the diameter of the stem is large, vascular anastomosis can be readily performed with an extremely high degree of safety. Pulsation of the stem can be palpated on follow-up even one year after surgery, and there are no signs of bone reabsorption.