Donor-Site Morbidity Following Free Fibula Flap Harvest for Mandibular or Maxillary Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients.

INTRO AND AIM: The morbidity at the donor-site in the free fibula flap is a well-studied fact in the adult population, but in children, there are few reports of the long-term adverse effects at the donor site. In this study, we evaluate donor-site morbidity, complications, and functional outcome in pediatric patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest for mandibular or maxillary reconstruction, and the relation between pain and walking abilities.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 22 pediatric patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest for mandibular and maxillary reconstruction between 2003 and 2014 was conducted. A certified point evaluation system was used, analyzing several factors like pain, walking ability, restriction in activities, gait alteration, paresthesia, and cosmetic appearance, and the relationship between variables.

RESULTS

Mean age follow up of patient was 8.5 years (range 2-13 years). Pain was reported in 27% (n = 6), paresthesia and numbness 9% (n = 2), walking ability alteration in 50% (n = 11), restriction in activities in 18% (n = 4), gait alteration in 23% (n = 5), and cosmetic appearance alteration in the 14% (n = 3). We compare the pain and the gait alteration and did not find any relation between pain and gait alteration (P = 0.6016) and there was no relation between restriction in activities and walking ability (P = 0.1455).

CONCLUSION

Free fibula flap is the gold standard for head and neck reconstruction, but the morbidity at the donor site, especially in a growing child, should not be ignored or minimized when counseling patients and their families.More studies, with more population and with a long-term follow-up should be carried out to determine the impact on the daily activities on the pediatric population.