Evaluation of mandibular reconstruction with free vascularized fibular flap

Objective:To evaluates mandible reconstruction by free vascularized fibular flap with special emphasis on the immediate complications.Methods:The clinical data of 63 patients were reviewed,35 male and 28 female(age range 16 to 73 years).Aesthetic and functional outcomes were evaluated by follow-up and/or telephone conversation.Results:Among the 63 fibular flaps,29 were osteocutaneous flaps with one or two skin islands.All the flaps were surviving well and the success rate was 100%.Long term donor site disability was not recorded for any patient.Thirty-one patients responded for aesthetic and functional evaluation,20 cases(64.5%)reported their facial appearance as excellent or good,11(35.48%)felt fair;14 cases(45%)could eat unrestricted diet,17(55%)could eat soft diet;21 cases were(67.67%)speech normal,10(22.33%)speech intelligible.Conclusion:Free fibular flap reflects good functional and esthetic results with a high degree of consistency,and acceptable level of complications,and we strongly believe the vascularized fibular flap is the first choice for mandibular reconstruction.