Latissimus dorsi (LD) free flap and reconstruction plate used for extensive maxillo-mandibular reconstruction after tumour ablation

Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa involving the masticator space: a case report

“…Various flaps that can be used for the through-and-through defect of the oral cavity after surgical resection have been proposed, including the radial forearm free, deltopectal, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi free, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous, and trapezius myocutaneous flaps17181920. The latissimus dorsi free flap is a richly vascularized muscle with the largest potential surface area, providing adequate bulk and coverage for any defect in the oral and maxillofacial region.…”

“…The latissimus dorsi free flap is a richly vascularized muscle with the largest potential surface area, providing adequate bulk and coverage for any defect in the oral and maxillofacial region. Moreover, this flap has the advantage that it allows primary closure of the donor site, which may prevent additional morbidity19. If a folded flap is covered with an orofacial defect, it may appear less esthetic because of its large volume, but as the volume of the flap decreases over time, the outcomes become more esthetic1718.…”

A 10-year retrospective study of free anterolateral thigh flap application in 872 head and neck tumour cases

“…Over the last several decades, numerous free flaps have been introduced and applied in oral and facial defects, including the free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) and latissimus dorsi flap. 3,6 The introduction of the first free ALT flap in 1984 by Song gained worldwide attention, and many studies have since reported the features of the ALT flap. The donor site contains abundant soft tissues, and different types of flap can be harvested and tailed, such as fasciocutaneous, musculocutaneous, perforator, adipofascial, thinned ALT, deepithelialized, folded, and chimeric flaps.…”

Newly designed retentive posts of mandibular reconstruction plate in oral cancer patients based on preliminary FEM study

“…Following tumor resection, the use of a reconstruction plate (R-plate) to maintain space and contour without requiring bone harvesting has been a popular option to reconstruct the mandible. For large-volume defects involving the bone and soft tissue, the use of a soft tissue free flap (such as the latissimus dorsi (LD) free flap) and R-plate demonstrated a high success rate and low complication rate [1]. Although an R-plate helps the patient to masticate, swallow, and speak, it cannot provide final functional rehabilitation like that of an implant or denture.…”

“…Although the fibula free flap is advantageous in dental implant installations, larger soft tissue free flaps (such as the LD) are needed for larger soft tissue defects [1]. Furthermore, if dental rehabilitation is not anticipated in the fibula, then plate reconstruction (using adequate soft tissue) remains a suitable technique to repair segmental defects of the lateral mandible [5].…”