Application of Submandibular Gland Flap in the Repair of Postoperative Defects in Clinical Stage III Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw.

OBJECTIVE

Investigating the clinical efficacy of submandibular gland flap repair for postoperative defects in clinical stage III osteoradionecrosis of the jaw was the objective of this study.

METHODS

The study included 3 patients who declined vascularized fibula flap repair for mandibular defects and 1 patient who was not fit for mandibular reconstruction due to poor systemic condition. The postoperative defects were successfully repaired using a submandibular gland flap, and the clinical outcomes were monitored.

RESULTS

After a 6 to 8 month postoperative follow-up, all patients exhibited good wound healing, no signs of infection, no pain, and normal submandibular gland function.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that submandibular gland flap repair is an effective and feasible approach for addressing postoperative defects in clinical stage III osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, yielding satisfactory clinical results.