[Repair of oral maxillofacial defect with free peroneal composite flap].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of vascularized free peroneal composite flaps for reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects.

METHODS

From November 1999 to December 2002, 28 cases of oral maxillofacial defects were reconstructed with vascularized free peroneal composite flaps, with fibula-cutaneous flap in 21 cases and with fibula-myocutaneous flap in 7 cases. Three cases received insertion of dental implants into the fibula flap. The flap size was 3.0 cm x 5.5 cm to 8.0 cm x 12.0 cm; the fibula length was 5.5 cm to 16.0 cm.

RESULTS

Of the 28 flaps reconstructed, 24 survived, 3 necrosed partially and 1 necrosed completely. All the 5 implants survived and achieved good bone integration in 3 cases. Twenty-six cases were followed up 1-36 months with an average of 18.5 months, the facial appearance and the vocal function were satisfactory in 23 cases.

CONCLUSION

Vascularized peroneal flap has many advantages and is one of the optimal flaps for reconstruction of oral maxillofacial defects.