[Role of osteocutaneous external brachial flap in the treatment of composite loss of substance of the mandible].

The authors report on their research begun in 1987 on this flap and its uses in reconstruction of composite defects of the horizontal and symphysical parts of the mandible, regardless of the cause of the loss. For treatment of average sized defects (less than 7 centimeters), it is reliable flap, easy to remove and to model by osteotomies, giving a thin skin mobile with bone and the removal of which results in only moderate development of scar tissue at the donor site.