Functional reconstruction in major head and neck surgery. Mandibular reconstruction

A variety of reconstructive options are possible for patients with any composite mandibular defect. The reconstructive technique chosen depends upon the stage of the disease and the extent of soft and hard-tissue defects after extirpation. Most patients are candidates for reconstruction and careful preoperative planning is important to success. Osteocutaneous free tissue transfer is currently the reconstructive modality of choice, particularly the fibula osseocutaneous free flap.