Salvage Secondary Reconstruction of the Mandible with Vascularized Fibula Flap

Autogenous, alloplastic, or hybrid for total mandibular reconstruction; is here an optimal path?

For less fit patients, total reconstruction of the mandible (TRM) is an elucidated alternative for severe maxillofacial defects. This study aimed to comprehensively review and analyze the existing evidence, irrespective of the underlying pathologies, to provide a consolidated overview of the current state of TRM. An electronic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify studies reporting TRM without restrictions on patient age, type of pathology underlying the mandibular defect, and study type. Electronic search identified 390 studies; only 21 met the inclusion criteria, documenting 7 (33.3%) autogenous, 6 (28.6%) alloplastic, and 8 (38.1%) hybrid TRMs. All studies reported one clinical case, except for two studies that reported two patients treated with TRM. The mean age of the patients was 39.0 ± 19.4 years, and the mean follow-up was 22.3 ± 14.7 months. Osteomyelitis was the most common pathology. Bilateral condyles were preserved in only two cases. The TRM has been reported in clinical cases only and no large cohort study is available. Functional and aesthetic parameters have either not been reported or have been reported in heterogeneous formats, thus hampering comparisons of autogenous, alloplastic, and hybrid TRMs. Overall, TRM in patients presenting with severe maxillofacial defects achieved promising clinical outcomes endowed with acceptable function and aesthetics. Large cohort studies are needed to validate these results.

Management after fibula free flap necrosis in maxillofacial reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Few articles discuss the management of a free fibula flap (FFF) necrosis in maxillofacial reconstruction.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Between 2005 and 2020, 170 FFF were used for maxillofacial reconstruction at the University Hospital of Caen, among which 16 cases suffered total necrosis and flap removal. The authors categorized these 16 cases into three groups based on the proposed salvage treatment and analyzed the post-operative follow-up, including complications, length of hospital stay and delay in radiotherapy.

RESULTS

In Group A, two patients underwent immediate reconstruction with a new free flap. There were no postoperative complications, and the average hospitalization duration after removal of the first flap was 10 days. In Group B, eleven patients underwent reconstruction with a pedicled musculocutaneous pectoralis major flap. These patients experienced numerous complications, with 73% of them requiring at least one additional surgery, and all of them had an indication for later FFF reconstruction. The average hospitalization duration in this group was 37 days. In Group C, three patients underwent conservative management with debridement and mucosal closure. Two of them experienced complications, and all of them underwent later FFF reconstruction. The average hospitalization duration in this group was 15 days.

DISCUSSION

Based on our experience and the literature review, the use of an immediate new free flap appears to be the best approach after the removal of a FFF. This generates shorter healing times and shorter hospitalization stays, and this allows better results in terms of function and aesthetics. At least, this is the approach that causes the least delay for radiation therapy if indicated. The other approaches should only be proposed in case of patient's poor general condition or in case of refuse of the patient.

Customed 3D-printed Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Implant for Secondary Salvage Reconstruction of Mandibular Defects: Case Report and Literature Review

Given the insufficient height of single-barrel fibula and inadequate bone volume of double-barrel vascularized fibula in mandibular reconstruction, it is a better choice to combine the upper full-thickness vascularized fibula with the lower half-thickness nonvascularized fibula. However, the nonvascularized fibula may fail due to complications, affecting the facial shape and occlusal function. Polyetheretherketone is a thermoplastic polymer used for bone defect reconstruction due to its good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. This case report mainly presents a secondary salvage reconstruction of the mandible by using customed 3-dimensional-printing polyetheretherketone, which restored the continuity and symmetry of the mandible, improved the patient's facial shape, and restored functional occlusion through dental implants. After a 28-month follow-up, no complications occurred, and the patient was satisfied with the final restoration.

Early Second Free Flap is Required in Osteoradionecrosis-related Nonunion after Primary Mandible Reconstruction

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) manifested as symptomatic nonunion between primary free flap and native mandible after primary bony reconstruction of the mandible is an entity not included in current conventional ORN staging guidelines. This article reports on and proposes early management of this debilitating condition using a chimeric scapular tip free flap (STFF).

Methods

A retrospective review was performed examining cases with bony nonunion at the junction of primary free fibula flap (FFF) and native mandible at a single center over a 10-year duration, which required a second free bone flap. Details of each case (patient demographics, oncological details, primary surgery, presentation, and secondary surgery) were documented and analyzed. Outcomes of the treatment were assessed.

Results

Four patients (two men and two women; age range, 42-73 years) out of a total of 46 primary FFF were identified. All patients presented with symptoms of low-grade ORN and radiological signs of nonunion. All cases were reconstructed with chimeric STFF. The duration of follow-up ranged from 5 to 20 months. All patients reported resolution of symptoms and radiological evidence of union. Two of four patients subsequently received osseointegrated dental implants.

Conclusions

Institutional rate of nonunion after primary FFF requiring a second free bone flap is 8.7%. All the patients of this cohort presented with a similar clinical entity easily discounted as an infected nonunion postosseous flap reconstruction. There is no ORN grading system that currently guides the management of this cohort. Good outcomes are possible with early surgical intervention with a chimeric STFF.

Secondary Reconstruction of Head and Neck Cancer Defects-Principles in its Practice

Objective

Secondary reconstruction is requested by patients who have completed their head and neck cancer treatment. The reason for the request for reconstruction may be to improve the functional deficits, achieve aesthetic refinements or most commonly both. The article looks at various issues related to reconstruction in the secondary setting and suggesting the ways to approaching patients requesting secondary reconstruction.

Discussion

While considering secondary reconstruction, various factors need to be considered. These include issues related to the disease, the treatment received as well as the patient's comorbid conditions. Aggressive disease and multiple recurrences should deter from undertaking complex reconstructions. Lack of tissue pliability resulting in a woody neck due to radiation makes dissection difficult and wound healing poor. The reconstructive requirements include release of contractures inside the mouth, reconstruction of the missing jaws, replacement of the missing volume of the tongue and correction of the incompetent angle of mouth. Goals of reconstruction should be prioritized by the surgical team. Free soft tissue or bone containing flaps would be provided ideal tissue to meet the reconstructive requirements in secondary reconstruction. However, several impediments could exist for their safe use. Release of contractures and provision of adequate soft tissue should be given priority and must be addressed before bony reconstruction is contemplated.

Conclusion

Bony reconstruction of both mandible and maxilla is possible, with the former being more difficult to deliver good results due to the associated soft tissue fibrosis. Virtual surgical planning with the aid of Stereo lithographic models and planning software will improve the quality of bony reconstruction. Detailed counseling sessions involving patient and the family are essential before embarking on secondary reconstruction as the patient expectations and the surgical outcome may not be easy to match. However excellent improvement in function and appearance will be possible in many patients with appropriate reconstructive procedure.

Simplified Virtual Surgical Planning Method for Reconstruction of Secondary Maxilla and Mandibular Defects Using Free Bone Flap

Objective

Free fibula flap is the commonly used microvascular free tissue transfer for maxillary and mandibular reconstruction to restore form and function after ablative procedures. Bony reconstruction is an important aspect of reconstruction. This paper describes our technique in using virtual surgical planning for secondary reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible using only stereolithographic models.

Discussion

In the recent past, virtual surgical planning has become a game changer in planning complex reconstruction of maxilla and mandible. This becomes even more important in the cases of secondary reconstruction. Virtual surgical planning requires close interaction between the surgeon and the design and manufacturing team. The latter is often done remotely making the process cumbersome and less user friendly. We have been using a simplified version of the virtual surgical planning at a low cost set up with effective outcomes. This report consists of 22 cases in which secondary reconstruction using osteo-cutaneous free fibula flap was carried out using virtual surgical planning. Mock surgery was performed on stereolithographic (STL) models (face and fibula), pre-bending of plates and fabrication of occlusal splints helped in precise translation of the treatment plan to the operating room which in turn helped in reducing the surgical time and attaining more predictable results.

Conclusion

Secondary reconstruction of maxilla and mandible is complex and requires meticulous planning to achieve optimal and predictable results which directly improves the quality of life of the patients.

The Value of Three-Dimensional Modeling on Repositioning and Soft Tissue Filling in Microsurgical Reconstruction of Secondary Mandibular Defects: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

Secondary mandibular defect reconstruction is a challenging operation. It is performed rather rarely, as in most of the cases a primary reconstruction is preferable. Restoration of function and symmetry, in secondary reconstruction of mandibular defects, requires accurate repositioning of segments and appropriate soft tissue filling. The purpose of this study is to estimate the value of three-dimensional (3D) digital modeling to meet the above requirements, in secondary microsurgical reconstruction of mandibular defects.

Methods

Five cases of mandibular defects, with various degrees of asymmetry and dysfunction, were restored secondarily, with fibula flaps, after virtual reconstruction on a 3D model derived from their computed tomography, with the utilization of CAD-CAM software. Software reproduced symmetrical 3D models by mirroring the healthy side. Occlusion was restored by fine adjustments on 3D models and finally a reconstruction plate was pre-bent on them, prior to its sterilization for use in surgery. Three out of the five cases received an osteo-cutaneous flap, while in the other two patients, an osseous flap was used. Lower face symmetry, mouth opening, and main patient’s complaints were evaluated pre- and postoperatively to assess the value of the 3D modeling.

Results

All flaps survived. Hematoma occurred in two patients and was resolved after evacuation. In two patients, a fistula observed, was attributed to screw loosening, and treated after a surgical debridement and screw replacement. Intraoral exposure in the posterior part of the fibula flap was recorded in one patient, possibly from wound dehiscence due to tension of the intraoral tissue, and successfully covered with an ipsilateral nasolabial flap. The resulting symmetry and function were satisfactory in all the patients.

Conclusion

Secondary mandibular defects are often related with cosmetic disfigurement, misalignment of mandibular segments, and mandibular malfunction. For the correction of mandibular continuity, symmetry, and restoration of function, preoperative 3D modeling may be an important tool, according to our results.

Spongostan™ Leads to Increased Regeneration of a Rat Calvarial Critical Size Defect Compared to NanoBone® and Actifuse

Bone substitute materials are becoming increasingly important in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Reconstruction of critical size bone defects is still challenging for surgeons. Here, we compared the clinically applied organic bone substitute materials NanoBone^® (nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite and nanostructured silica gel; n = 5) and Actifuse (calcium phosphate with silicate substitution; n = 5) with natural collagen-based Spongostan™ (hardened pork gelatin containing formalin and lauryl alcohol; n = 5) in bilateral rat critical-size defects (5 mm diameter). On topological level, NanoBone is known to harbour nanopores of about 20 nm diameter, while Actifuse comprises micropores of 200–500 µm. Spongostan™, which is clinically applied as a haemostatic agent, combines in its wet form both nano- and microporous topological features by comprising 60.66 ± 24.48 μm micropores accompanied by nanopores of 32.97 ± 1.41 nm diameter. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) used for evaluation 30 days after surgery revealed a significant increase in bone volume by all three bone substitute materials in comparison to the untreated controls. Clearly visual was the closure of trepanation in all treated groups, but granular appearance of NanoBone^® and Actifuse with less closure at the margins of the burr holes. In contrast, transplantion of Spongostan™ lead to complete filling of the burr hole with the highest bone volume of 7.98 ccm and the highest bone mineral density compared to all other groups. In summary, transplantation of Spongostan™ resulted in increased regeneration of a rat calvarial critical size defect compared to NanoBone and Actifuse, suggesting the distinct nano- and microtopography of wet Spongostan™ to account for this superior regenerative capacity. Since Spongostan™ is a clinically approved product used primarily for haemostasis, it may represent an interesting alternative in the reconstruction of defects in the maxillary region.

Safety and efficacy of secondary mandibular reconstruction using a free osteo-cutaneous fibula flap after segmental mandibular resection: a retrospective case-control study

Background

Free osteocutaneous fibula flap (FFF) is currently considered the best option for segmental mandibular reconstruction; however, there are only a few reports comparing secondary with primary reconstructions using FFF. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of secondary mandibular reconstruction using FFF when compared with primary mandibular reconstruction.

Methods

From October 2018 to February 2020, patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using FFF after segmental mandibulectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The size and location of the mandibular defect, the segment length and number of osteotomies in the fibula, types of the mandibular plating system, kinds and laterality of the recipient vessels were recorded from the surgical notes. Flap survival, duration of nasogastric tube use, and implant installation after reconstruction were recorded as postoperative evaluation indices.

Results

Twelve patients underwent mandibular reconstruction using FFF during the study period. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics other than body mass index between the primary (n = 8) and secondary (n = 4) reconstruction groups. No significant differences were observed in the size and location of defects, the segment length and number of osteotomies in the fibula, and the types of mandibular plating system. There was no significant difference in the kinds of recipient vessels; however, the laterality of recipient vessels was ipsilateral in all cases of primary reconstructions and contralateral in all cases of secondary reconstructions. Three out of eight patients with primary FFF reconstruction developed partial flap necrosis. Four patients in the secondary FFF reconstruction group achieved complete flap survival. The duration of use of the nasogastric tube and implant installation after reconstruction was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Safe and effective secondary mandibular reconstruction can be performed in this clinical case study using FFF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-021-01194-3.