Combined anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap in reconstruction of extensive composite mandibular defects.

Extensive composite defects of the oromandibular area are usually created after the surgical treatment of T3 and T4 cancers, requiring complex reconstructive plastic surgical procedures. The preferred treatment method for this type of defect is reconstruction with two free flaps. The use of the vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap for the bone and inner lining defect is well known and accepted. Among the flaps that can be used for the outer lining and soft-tissue reconstruction, the two most commonly used have been the forearm flap and the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. However, these flaps have some disadvantages that restrict their use for this purpose. The forearm flap is usually too thin to cover the fibular bone and reconstruction plate, and the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap can cause a subclinical reduction in abdominal strength. Both radial forearm and rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps are difficult to harvest during tumor excision. Because of these drawbacks, over the past several years the authors have preferred to use the anterolateral thigh flap for outer face, neck, and submandibular region reconstructions. From October of 1998 to June of 2000, 22 extensive composite mandibular defect reconstructions using the free anterolateral thigh flap, combined with the vascularized free fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap, were performed at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Complete flap survival was 90.9 percent (40 of 44 flaps). Complete loss was seen in an anterolateral thigh flap, which was then reconstructed with a pectoralis major myocutaneous pedicled flap (2.3 percent). There were five venous problems: three in osteoseptocutaneous free fibula flaps, the other two in anterolateral thigh flaps; all were revised immediately. However, the skin islands of two osteoseptocutaneous free fibula flaps and one anterolateral thigh flap developed partial necrosis (6.8 percent). The other complications were compartment syndrome in the leg in one patient, external carotid artery rupture in one patient, three donor-site infections in two patients, three neck wound infections, and one myocardial insufficiency; all were treated properly. Thirteen patients underwent revision procedures 6 months after the first operation. These procedures included debulking of the flap or revision of the mouth angle or both. Trismus or intraoral contraction was noted in none of these patients. In conclusion, the free anterolateral thigh flap combined with the vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap seems to be a good choice in the reconstruction of the extensive composite defects of the oromandibular region aesthetically and functionally.     

One-stage reconstruction of composite bone and soft-tissue defects in traumatic lower extremities

Management of bone loss that occurs after severe trauma of open lower extremity fractures continues to challenge reconstructive surgeons. Sixty-one patients who had 62 traumatic open lower extremity fractures and combined bone and composite soft-tissue defects were treated with the following protocol: extensive debridement of necrotic tissues, eradication of infection, and vascularization of osteocutaneous tissue for one-stage bone and soft-tissue coverage reconstruction. The mechanism of injury included 49 motorcycle accidents (80.3 percent), five falls (8.2 percent), three crush injuries (4.9 percent), two pedestrian-automobile accidents (3.3 percent), and two motor vehicle accidents (3.3 percent). The bone defects were located in the tibia in 49 patients (79 percent; one patient had bilateral open tibial fractures), in the femur in seven patients (11.3 percent), in the calcaneus bone in four patients (6.5 percent), and in the metatarsal bones in two patients (3.2 percent). The size of soft-tissue defects ranged from 5 x 9 cm to 30 x 17 cm. The average length of the preoperative bony defect was 11.7 cm. The average duration from injury to one-stage reconstruction was 27.1 days, and the average number of previous extensive debridement procedures was 3.4. Fifty patients had vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps, six had vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flaps, and five patients had seven combined vascularized rib transfers with serratus anterior muscle and/or latissimus dorsi muscle transfers. One patient received a second combined rib flap because the first combined rib flap failed. The rate of complete flap survival was 88.9 percent (56 of 63 flaps). Two combined vascularized rib transfers with serratus anterior muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle flaps were lost totally (3.2 percent) because of arterial thrombosis and deep infection, respectively. Partial skin flap losses were encountered in the five fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps (7.9 percent). Postoperative infection for this one-stage reconstruction was 7.9 percent. Excluding the failed flap and the infected/amputated limb, the primary bony union rate after successful free vascularized bone grafting was 88.5 percent (54 of 61 transfers). The average primary union time was 6.9 months. The overall union rate was 96.7 percent (59 of 61 transfers). The average time to overall union was 8.5 months after surgery. Seven transferred vascularized bones had stress fractures, for a rate of 11.5 percent. Donor-site problems were noted in six fibular flaps, in two iliac flaps, and in one rib flap. The fibular donor-site problems were foot drop in one patient, superficial peroneal nerve palsy in one patient, contracture of the flexor hallucis longus muscle in two patients, and skin necrosis after split-thickness skin grafting in two patients. The iliac flap donor-site problems were temporary flank pain in one patient and lateral thigh numbness in the other. One rib flap transfer patient had pleural fibrosis. Transfer of the appropriate combination of vascularized bone and soft-tissue flap with a one-stage procedure provides complex lower extremity defects with successful functional results that are almost equal to the previously reported microsurgical staged procedures and conventional techniques.     

Fibular osteoseptocutaneous flap: anatomic study and clinical application

The vascularized fibular graft has been expanded to an osteoseptocutaneous flap by including a cutaneous flap on the lateral aspect of the lower leg. The cutaneous flap can serve not only for postoperative monitoring of the grafted fibula, but also as extra skin coverage to replace substantial skin defects or prevent tight closure of the wound. From anatomic studies of 20 cadaver legs and 15 clinical cases, it has been possible to demonstrate adequate circulation to the skin of the lateral aspect of the lower leg from the septocutaneous branches of the peroneal artery alone. This finding has allowed the development of a new concept and technique to elevate the fibula as an osteoseptocutaneous flap for reconstruction which provides the following advantages: Elevation of the fibular osteoseptocutaneous unit is easy and fast. The cutaneous flap of the fibular osteoseptocutaneous unit can slide almost freely while attached to the paper-thin posterior crural septum without being tethered by a bulky muscle cuff, facilitating the setting of the fibular osteocutaneous flap when the bone and skin are widely separated. Intraoperatively, in a situation in which it is necessary to change from originally selected recipient vessels to ones more suitable, the thin posterior crural septum can be folded around the fibula allowing more flexibility in choice of recipient vessels. The fibular osteoseptocutaneous flap meets the criteria outlined for composite tissue reconstruction of defects of the extremities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Free fibula long bone reconstruction in orthopedic oncology: a surgical algorithm for reconstructive options

The fibula free flap became popular in orthopedic oncology for limb-sparing long bone tumor resection. It is particularly suitable for intercalary or resection arthrodesis options. In the present series, a surgical reconstruction algorithm was used, enabling each patient to receive a personalized technique. During the years 1998 to 2002, 30 patients underwent limb-sparing surgery for long bone sarcoma. There were 18 males and 12 females. Their mean age was 23 years (range, 9 to 70 years). The diagnoses were Ewing's sarcoma (11 patients), osteogenic sarcoma (eight patients), chondrosarcoma (five patients), giant cell tumor of bone (three patients), high-grade soft-tissue sarcoma (two patients), and leiomyosarcoma of bone (one patient). The majority of tumors where located in the lower extremity (23 patients), mostly in the femur (15 patients with four tumors in the proximal femoral shaft, five tumors in the distal femoral shaft, five tumors in the whole femoral shaft, and one tumor in the proximal femoral head). In seven patients, the upper extremity was involved; in six patients, the radius was involved; and in one patient, the humerus was involved. The free fibula flap was used in three types of approaches: vascularized fibula as an osseous flap only (18 patients), a combination of a vascularized fibula flap in conjunction with an allograft (Capanna's technique; 10 patients), and a free double-barreled fibula (two patients). All flaps survived. Postoperatively, all patients were monitored clinically, radiologically, and by radioisotope bone scan studies. Callus formation and union were shown 2.6 to 8 months postoperatively. Patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction were nonweightbearing for 3 to 9 months, with a transition period in which they used a brace and gradually increased weightbearing until full weightbearing was achieved. Eight patients had 11 recipient-site complications. Two patients (6.7 percent) had hematomas, and three patients (10 percent) had infection and dehiscence of the surgical wound with bone exposure in one patient; all complications resolved with conservative treatment only. Failure of the hardware fixation system occurred in two patients, mandating surgical correction. No fibula donor-site complications were recorded. In intercalary resections, the use of the vascularized fibula flap as an isolated osseous flap might be insufficient. Different body sites have different stress loads to carry, depending on the age of the patient and on his individual physical status. To achieve initial strength in the early period, the authors combined the free fibula flap with an allograft (Capanna's method) or augmented it as a double-barreled fibula. They propose a surgical algorithm to assist the surgeon with the preferred method for reconstruction of various long bone defects in different body locations at childhood or adulthood. Long bone reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap, alone or in combination with an allograft, autogenous bone graft, or double-barreled fibula for limb-sparing surgery, is a safe and reliable method with a predictable bony union, good functional outcome, and a low complication rate.     

Peroneal flap for reconstruction in the extremity: preliminary report

The peroneal flap has many advantages, such as thin subcutaneous tissue, availability of a large-diameter artery and vein for anastomosis, a long pedicle, and freely designed size and shape. This technique is introduced because it has many outstanding features that allow it to be used to meet a variety of specific needs, such as a free peroneal flap, a peroneal island flap, a free vascularized fibular graft with skin, and a monitoring flap in free vascularized fibular grafts. We have found the peroneal flap to be especially useful.     

The vascularized pig fibula bone flap model: effect of segmental osteotomies and internal fixation on blood flow

The free fibular flap is the flap of choice for reconstruction of complex mandibular defects, although two or more osteotomies may be required to recreate the normal mandibular contour. The effect of these surgical manipulations on the fibula has not been adequately investigated. This study was designed to study the effect of multiple segmental osteotomies and internal fixation techniques on blood flow in the vascularized pig fibula bone flap model. The hindlimbs of 15 Yorkshire pigs were randomized into 1 of 5 groups (n = 6 fibulae per group) consisting of: (1) a nonoperated, in situ fibula; (2) an elevated fibula flap; (3) an elevated fibula flap with two segmental osteotomies; (4) an elevated fibula with two segmental closing osteotomies rigidly fixed with 2-mm miniplates; (5) an elevated fibula with two segmental closing osteotomies rigidly fixed with 2-mm lag screws. Total and gradient blood flow was measured in the bone and soft-tissue components of these flaps using the 15-microm radioactive microsphere technique. The creation of two segmental osteotomies in the vascularized pig fibula bone flap model resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the gradient blood flow in the segment of bone distal to the second osteotomy. Application of miniplates or lag screws across closing osteotomies resulted in a significant decrease (p<0.05) in total and gradient blood flow to the bone component of the fibulae, as compared with the elevated and osteotomized fibulae groups. An increase in blood flow suggesting a hyperemic response was noted in the bone and soft tissue in the elevated and osteotomized flap groups as compared with the in situ, nonoperated controls. This study established the validity of the pig fibula as a suitable model for investigating the pathophysiology of blood flow changes in the face of standard surgical maneuvers necessary for the restoration of mandibular form and function. The results demonstrated that the creation of multiple segmental osteotomies and the application of internal fixation significantly decreases (p<0.05) blood flow to the distal portion of the flap. The effects of segmental osteotomies and internal fixation on healing and growth of the pig fibula bone flap model are investigated in a separate study.     

Microsurgical reconstruction in recurrent oral cancer: use of a second free flap in the same patient

Primary microsurgical reconstruction is the treatment of choice for ablative defects of oral carcinoma. As a result of this trend, more and more patients with recurrent oral carcinoma who have been initially treated with surgical excision and reconstructed with free flaps are being seen. However, a second microsurgical reconstruction attempt in these cases raises questions about the flap choices, availability of recipient vessels, and effects of previous treatment modalities. Herein, 35 patients with perioral carcinoma who had two successive tumor resections and reconstruction with free flaps on each occasion are presented. A total of 75 free tissue transfers were carried out for the first and second reconstructions. After the first tumor resection, 28 radial forearm fasciocutaneous flaps, 7 fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps, 1 iliac osteomyocutaneous flap, and 2 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps were used. For reconstruction after the recurrence, 17 radial forearm fasciocutaneous flaps, 13 fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps, 3 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, 2 anterolateral thigh flaps, 1 jejunum flap, and 1 tensor fasciae latae flap were used. More vascularized bone transfers were performed during the second reconstruction since the excision for the recurrence frequently required segmental mandibulectomy. The complete flap survival rate was 97.3 percent and 94.6 percent with a reexploration rate of 7.9 percent and 13.5 percent for the first and second free tissue transfers, respectively. The mean follow-up time throughout the procedures was 37.5 months. Disease-free interval between reconstructions was 20.8 months. At the time of evaluation, 54.3 percent of the patients were surviving an average of 19 months since the second reconstruction. The results suggest that free flaps represent an important option in reconstruction of recurrent perioral carcinoma cases undergoing reexcision. When used in this indication they are as safe and effective as the initial procedure.     

The anatomy of the extended peroneal venous system

The fibula has deservedly become a workhorse flap for vascularized bone grafts. As with most flaps, much is known regarding idiosyncrasies of its arterial supply, and the corresponding venous system has generally been assumed to be comparable. Because this donor site has become increasingly versatile, a detailed anatomic study that would verify this latter assertion should be important. Therefore, venous mapping specifically of the peroneal venae comitantes was completed in 29 fresh lower limbs. In every specimen, paired venae comitantes of large caliber indeed paralleled the course of the peroneal artery. All were of quality satisfactory for microanastomoses, which should provide reassurance that preoperative evaluation of the peroneal venous system is not routinely indicated. However, anatomic variations proved to be the norm. The two venae comitantes did not necessarily coalesce into a single common peroneal vein [6 of 29 (21 percent)]. Usually, the lateral peroneal vein was the larger and continued proximally either alone (17 percent) or as the common peroneal vein (66 percent) to form the lateral tibioperoneal vena comitans. Thus, the venous pedicle of a fibula flap could be lengthened up to its confluence with the popliteal vein, a maneuver that potentially could obviate the need for a vein graft at least on the venous side. Although anomalies of the peroneal artery could preclude use of the fibula altogether, there appeared to be no such contraindications from a venous standpoint, despite the fact that the venous anatomy was unique in every individual. Some important similarities in patterns, though, do exist. For example, a common peroneal vein was formed by the juncture of the lateral peroneal vein and some combination of branches joining the lateral posterior tibial vein and medial peroneal vein in 63 percent of all limbs. Because exceptions are the rule, the choice of donor vein and venous pedicle length best remains an intraoperative decision dependent on the presenting anatomy.     

The distally pedicled peroneus brevis muscle flap: a new flap for the lower leg

Defects of the skin and soft tissue in the region of the lateral malleolus of the ankle and the Achilles tendon, resulting in exposed bone, tendons, or osteosynthetic material, cannot be covered with free skin transplants. Local or free flaps must be employed. The authors present the construction of a peroneus brevis muscle flap with a distal pedicle as a useful alternative. Between 1993 and 1999, distal pedicled peroneus brevis muscle flaps were used in 19 patients with various types of defects. During construction of the flap, both the long peroneal muscle and the peroneal artery remained intact. In the region of the distal third of the fibula, consistently arranged branches run from the artery into the muscle, and these form the distal pedicle. The proximal portion of the muscle can be transposed distally and easily extends to the tip of the fibula and the attachment of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneus. Primary healing occurred in 16 patients undergoing flap construction. Donor-site morbidity was mostly limited to the donor-site scar. The distally pedicled peroneus brevis muscle flap is a reliable means for covering defects in the lower leg. This form of muscle flap has not yet been described in the known literature. In the authors' opinion, this flap constitutes a logical and valuable extension of local flap procedures for plastic surgery in the distal leg region.     

A combined rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and vascularized iliac bone graft with double vascular pedicles

Although a free vascularized iliac bone graft has been successfully used for the reconstruction of large bone defects, there is a serious problem of how to repair in one stage patients having a large bone defect with a very wide skin defect. A free combined rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and vascularized iliac bone graft with double vascular pedicles seems to be one of the most suitable methods for patients having large defects of both bone and skin. Based on our patient, the main advantage of this flap is the extreme width of the skin territory. The pedicle vessels are large and long, and the donor scar can be made in an unexposed area. This flap should be considered for use in one-stage reconstructions of large defects of both bone and skin in the leg region.     

Reconstruction of composite through-and-through mandibular defects with a double-skin paddle fibular osteocutaneous flap

Microsurgical reconstruction of composite through-and-through defects of the oral cavity involving mucosa, bone, and external skin has often required two free flaps or double-skin paddle scapular or radial forearm flaps for successful functional and aesthetic outcomes. A safe, reliable technique using a double-skin paddle fibular osteocutaneous flap to restore the intraoral lining, mandibular bone, and external skin is described. A large elliptical or rectangular skin paddle is designed 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the fibula, over the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the lower leg, based only on the posterolateral septocutaneous perforators. This skin flap can be draped anteriorly and posteriorly over the fibular bone to reconstruct both the intraoral defect and the external skin defect. The area between the two skin islands of the intraoral flap and the external flap is deepithelialized and left as a dermal bridge between the two skin islands, as opposed to the creation of two separate vertical skin paddles, each based on a septocutaneous perforator. The transverse dimension of the flap can be as great as 14 cm, extending to within 1 to 2 cm of the tibial crest anteriorly and as far as the midline posteriorly, and with a length of up to 26 cm, this flap should be more than sufficient for reconstruction of most through-and-through defects. This technique has allowed the successful reconstruction of large composite defects, with missing intraoral lining, mandibular bone, and external skin, for 16 patients, with 100 percent survival of both skin islands in all cases and without the development of any orocutaneous fistulae.     

The vascularized pig fibula bone flap model: effects of multiple segmental osteotomies on growth and viability

Previous work by this laboratory introduced the pig fibula bone flap as a model for the study of the pathophysiology of vascularized bone flaps. Anatomic and hemodynamic studies demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in vascular perfusion after a series of segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation (lag screws and miniplates) in the distal end of the flap, suggesting that blood flow to the distal osteotomized segment of the flap may be impaired. Killing the animals after blood flow studies precluded assessment of the effect of these hemodynamic changes on bone healing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the pig fibula bone flap model with respect to viability, healing, and subsequent growth after multiple segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation to contribute to the understanding of vascularized bone flap pathophysiology. Yorkshire pigs (20 to 25 kg) were used for all experiments. Eight pigs underwent unilateral elevation of a vascularized fibula bone flap, which was osteotomized into three segments and orthotopically rigidly fixed using a 2.4-mm mandibular reconstruction plate. The left fibula remained as the control. Fluorochrome labels were injected to assess bone viability and turnover, and both fibulae were assessed for growth radiologically. The fibulae were harvested 21 days postoperatively (when the animals were killed), and bone healing was assessed histologically and clinically. There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative lengths of the osteotomized fibulae compared with the controls, suggesting that there was no impairment of growth potential after multiple segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation. Significant (p < 0.05) bony hypertrophy of the osteotomized fibulae was noted when compared with controls. Mobility was observed in 3 of the 32 osteotomies (9 percent), occurring across one proximal and two distal osteotomies in association with failure of fixation. However, histologic and fluorochrome assessment confirmed the viability of all bone segments, as supported by the presence of tetracycline given 2 days postoperatively. The pig fibula bone flap model is well tolerated by the pig. Multiple segmental osteotomies and rigid fixation, previously associated with a significant decrease in blood flow in the distal segment, did not impair either growth potential, viability, or healing ability. It is suggested that the pig fibula is a suitable model for the study of bone flap pathophysiology.     

Ankle-arm index versus angiography for the preassessment of the fibula free flap

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease or congenital anomalies of the major crural arteries may limit the use of the fibula free flap and should be detected preoperatively. Conventional selective angiography is the definitive standard imaging method for making this diagnosis, but it has drawbacks. A safer, cheaper, more accurate, and noninvasive alternative is desirable. The authors sought to test the hypothesis that the ankle-arm index of each of the three crural arteries, combined with pencil Doppler examination of the peroneal skin perforators, would provide adequate information to restrict the use of angiography to cases in which the outcomes of either or both of these options are insufficient. The ankle-arm index data of each of the three crural arteries, as well as pencil Doppler examination of the peroneal skin perforators of both legs of nine prospectively included patients and the nonoperated legs of 13 retrospectively included patients, were compared statistically in four different ways with the preoperative angiographic findings. A combined ankle-arm index and pencil Doppler examination is not accurate enough to detect legs or arteries with subclinical peripheral arterial occlusive disease or vascular variation and, hence, is not a sufficient basis on which to develop the surgical plan for a fibula free flap.     

Refinement of the radial forearm flap donor site using skin expansion

The radial forearm flap has proven to be versatile for free vascularized composite tissue transfers as well as for ipsilateral upper extremity reconstructions that require no microsurgical expertise. The most common objection to this otherwise advantageous donor area has been the subsequent nonaesthetic donor-site deformity. In addition, skin grafts frequently fail over the flexor carpi radialis tendon leading to chronic skin breakdown or at best tendon adhesions. Both these concerns may be ameliorated by means of tissue expansion of the remaining dorsal forearm skin to then allow removal of the skin-grafted portion of the donor site. These problems should be anticipated at the time of initial flap elevation so that the same incisions can be used for immediate placement of expanders.     

Folded free vascularized fibula transfer

A technique of improved free vascularized fibula grafting for bone defects up to 15 cm in length is presented with three illustrative cases. By dividing a harvested free fibula graft at its midpoint without dividing its vascular pedicle, two vascularized bone lengths are produced that require only one set of anastomoses. This folded fibula provides twice the cross-sectional area of a single fibula transfer and allows biomechanically improved graft placement. This technique has been successfully used in long bone defects of the upper and lower limbs.     

Free fibula osteoseptocutaneous-pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap combination in reconstruction of extensive composite mandibular defects

Lateral composite mandibular defects resulting from excision of advanced oral carcinoma often require mandible, intra-oral lining, external face, and soft-tissue bulk reconstruction. Ignorance of importance soft-tissue deficit in those patients may cause significant morbidity and functional loss. Such defects, therefore, can be reconstructed best with a double free flap technique. However, this procedure may not be feasible for every patient or surgeon. An alternative procedure is a free fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap combined with a pedicled pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. This combination was used in reconstruction of extensive composite mandibular defects in 14 patients with T3/T4 oral squamous cell carcinoma. All patients were men, and the average age was 54.3 years. The septocutaneous paddle of the fibula flap was used for the mucosal lining of the defects while the bony part established the rigid mandibular continuity. The pectoralis major flap then covered the external skin defect in the face and cheek, and the dead spaces left by the extirpated masticator muscles, buccal fat, and parotid gland. One free fibula flap failed totally, and one pectoralis major flap developed marginal necrosis. At the time of final evaluation, nine patients (64.3 percent) were alive, surviving an average of 25.7 months. All patients eventually regained their oral continence and an acceptable cosmetic appearance. In conclusion, the fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap plus regional myocutaneous flap choice is a successful and technically less demanding alternative to the double free flap procedures in reconstruction of extensive lateral mandibular defects.     

Bipedicled vascularized fibula flap for proximal humerus defect in a child

Vascularized bone transfer is becoming the most important option in the many cases in which durable, long-standing bone reconstruction is needed. The transfer of the vascularized epiphyseal plate, although controversial, is advantageous in cases where future growth is needed (i.e., congenital anomalies and tumor resections in children). The use of the free fibular head flap, based on epiphyseal blood supply augmentation, was reported using the anterior tibial artery, or part of it, as the nutritional vessel. By using both the peroneal artery and the specific branch to the fibular head as a bipedicled free flap, we ensured both long-bone fibula reconstruction and augmented blood supply to the head. We report a case of subtotal resection of the humerus due to osteosarcoma in a child that was reconstructed by this method. A preoperative study was conducted on fresh cadavers to identify the specific pedicle of the fibular head. The biceps femoris tendon was used to better stabilize the shoulder joint. The child recovered well and showed good progress in rehabilitation. On follow-up 1 year postoperatively, the shoulder joint remained limited, but showed no signs of substantial remodeling on x-ray. Good elbow and wrist-hand functions were noted. The child developed a single lung metastasis that was also removed. The question remains if the theoretical advantages in bone remodeling, shoulder stability, and bone growth are worth the extra time of surgery or the possible added donor and recipient site complications.     

Use of the AO plate for immediate mandibular reconstruction in cancer patients

Free vascularized bone grafts have revolutionized mandibular reconstruction, yet their use in all mandibulectomy patients is not always necessary. A recently developed alternative to bony reconstruction has been the use of the AO reconstruction plate. We compared the use of the AO reconstruction plate with immediate free bone graft mandibular reconstruction in 31 patients. Reconstruction plates were used in 20 and immediate free bone grafts were used in 11 patients. The overall success rate for use of the plate was 15 of 20 (75 percent). There were 6 anterior reconstructions, of which only 2 (33 percent) were successful. This is opposed to 13 of 14 (93 percent) lateral reconstructions that were successful in lateral plate placements. There were 11 immediate composite free flaps: 4 iliac crest, 4 scapula, 2 fibula, and 1 composite radial forearm flaps. Six repairs were for anterior defects, and there were 5 full-thickness defects, 3 of which were in the anterior position. All 11 flaps were successful. In conclusion, we believe the reconstruction plates are a useful adjunct for mandibular replacement in the head and neck cancer patient but should be reserved for lateral defects. For anterior reconstructions, even in patients with locally advanced disease, free-tissue transfer of composite osteocutaneous flaps is the reconstructive method of choice.     

The chondrocutaneous postauricular free flap

Use of the auriculomastoid region as a donor-site for a microvascular free flap is still not the general consensus. This report presents three patients with composite tissue defects of the face aesthetically reconstructed with a chondrocutaneous postauricular free flap. For its safe surgical application, additional anatomic knowledge was refined with cadaver study. Use of the chondrocutaneous postauricular free flap has some merits. Its dissection is straightforward and safer than when only the cutaneous unit is used. It also offers a more dependable vascularized composite tissue as a one-stage operation. With freedom of design, a variable combined facial defect can be delicately reconstructed. The final aesthetic results obtained were gratifying, and the donor-site deformity was minimal.     

The versatility of the free osteocutaneous fibula flap in the reconstruction of extremities after sarcoma resection

Background

An understanding of the biology of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas, knowledge of adjuvant therapies and refinement in techniques of reconstructive surgery have allowed limb-sparing and limb salvage surgery to become a reality in the management of malignant tumors of the extremities. Functional limb salvage following radical resection has become a possibility in many resectable tumors by the use of alloplastic prostheses, homograft or autogenous bone for skeletal reconstitution combined with vascularized soft tissue coverage. Although the free fibula flap has been well described for reconstructions of the mandible and oral cavity, it has not been widely presented as an ideal tool to preserve extremities and to circumvent amputation.

Patients and methods

We describe the complex surgical reconstruction in four patients with primary sarcomas of the extremities. The sarcomas (Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma and epitheloid sarcoma) were resected radically and the massive bone and soft tissue defect was replaced by vascularized free fibula transfer.

Results

We present our experience with versatility of this osteocutaneous flap to allow reconstruction and salvage of extremitity sarcomas. There were no operative or postoperative complication and all the four patients had good limb function. The flap was found to be versatile as it could be used for either upper limb or lower limb and for large defects. The results were better in upper limb than in lower limb.

Conclusions

Free fibular graft was found to be effective for salvaging limb function where a massive bone defect resulted from wide tumor resection in the extremities.