Simultaneous bimaxillary alveolar ridge augmentation by a single free fibular transfer: a case report

Class VI atrophy according to Cawood still represents a major challenge in pre-prosthetic surgery. Reconstruction of mandibular and maxillary bony defects using microvascular techniques is safe and reliable. The fibula, due to its morphological properties, is ideal for alveolar ridge augmentation and its donor site morbidity is the lowest among vascularized bone flaps. In this paper, we report the first case, to our knowledge, of extreme atrophy of both jaws, successfully treated by simultaneous bony augmentation of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridges with just one free fibula flap. Pre-operative planning, surgical technique and prosthetic restoration are discussed in detail.