Mandibular osteoradionecrosis: reconstructive surgery

Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is a serious complication following radiotherapy of head and neck cancers. A retrospective study of 20 reconstructions of mandibular defects due to osteoradionecrosis was performed. Various osseocutaneous free flaps were used: upper lateral arm (n = 5), radial forearm (n = 1), iliac crest (n = 4) and fibula (n = 7). Four grafts had a condylar prosthesis, and for seven grafts fixation was accomplished with a reconstruction plate. In three patients the mandibular defect was reconstructed using a bridging plate only. We defined a successful reconstruction as a graft or plate that did not need removal. Success was noted in 15 out of 20 patients, giving an overall success rate of 75%. For the free grafts alone (n = 17), successful reconstruction was achieved in 15 patients (88%). Two fibular grafts were lost owing to exposure and infection, as well as all three alloplastic reconstructions. Minor postoperative complications were observed in 11 patients (58%).