Three-dimensional morphological analysis of neocondyle bone growth after fibula free flap reconstruction

Bone remodeling of the fibula segment as a form of neocondyle after free vascularized bone transfer: a report of two cases

“…Patients with osteomyelitis, trauma, or tumor may require a mandibulectomy involving the condyle 4 . Depending on the nature of pathologies such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, TMJ prosthetic devices can be an effective treatment option 11 , 12 .…”

“…In Case 2, neocondyle bone growth in the DLPT was observed two months after surgery. According to three-dimensional morphological analysis of neocondyle bone growth after FFF reconstruction, neocondyle bone growth occurred in two directions, the DLPT and toward the glenoid fossa 4 . Neocondyle bone growth in the direction of the DLPT is closely connected with distraction osteogenesis of the lateral pterygoid muscle 4 , 19 , 20 .…”

“…According to three-dimensional morphological analysis of neocondyle bone growth after FFF reconstruction, neocondyle bone growth occurred in two directions, the DLPT and toward the glenoid fossa 4 . Neocondyle bone growth in the direction of the DLPT is closely connected with distraction osteogenesis of the lateral pterygoid muscle 4 , 19 , 20 . Postoperatively, early mobilization of the joint was encouraged to maintain function and to facilitate patient rehabilitation 17 .…”

“…Currently, the vascularized fibula free flap (FFF) is the gold standard for reconstruction of complex mandibular defects involving the mandibular condyle 2 . This flap has many advantages, including a long pedicle length; wide vessel diameter; and the ability to incorporate skin, muscle, and bone components, which are required for mandibular reconstruction 4 . Moreover, multiple osteotomies of the fibula are feasible to conform to the jaw without devascularization of individual segments 5 , 6 .…”

A new classification of mandible defects and condyle changed after mandible reconstruction with FFF

“…It is also the first choice to analyze three-dimensional (3D) changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and changes in condylar volume and position [ 9 ]. Studies on mandibular reconstruction with FFF in phase primarily focused on functional improvement [ 10 ] and on functional and morphological changes in the neocondyle [ 11 ]. Studies on preserved condyles have been limited to analyses of two-dimensional alterations and have only compared time intervals periods but not different types of condylar defects because there is no standard classification describing the relationship between the defect site and preserved condyles [ 12 ].…”