Osseous Free Tissue Transfer in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Abstract

Large palatomaxillary and oromandibular defects have a dramatic impact on speech, deglutition, mastication, and cosmesis. Traditional methods of reconstruction, such as locoregional flaps, free bone grafts, alloplastic materials, and prosthetic devices, have difficulty providing meaningful aesthetic and functional reconstruction of these defects. This article discusses current concepts in the reconstruction of large composite palatomaxillary and oromandibular defects with an emphasis on the role of free tissue transfer, including the factors to be evaluated when choosing a method of reconstruction, indications for specific donor sites, and recent technical refinements.

Osteocutaneous Free Flap Including Medial and Lateral Scapular Crests: Technical Aspects, Viability, and Donor Site Morbidity

“…Each flap has advantages and limitations that play a major role in the decision-making process of flap choice for the reconstruction. 19 Besides the fibula osteocutaneous free flap and the iliac crest osteocutaneous free flap, the scapular osteocutaneous free flap is often used in head and neck reconstruction. Larger series of patients reconstructed with free lateral scapular flaps have been presented previously.…”

Scapula osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction of the head and neck: Impact of flap choice on surgical and medical complications

“…Each flap has advantages and limitations which play a critical role in the decision-making process of flap-choice for the reconstruction. 1 The flaps commonly utilized are the fibula osteocutaneous free flap, the iliac crest osteo(myo)cutaneous free flap, the scapula osteocutaneous free flap, and the radial forearm osteo-cutaneous free flap. The fibula free flap is noted for high-quality bone stock with excellent length for reconstruction of long defects.…”