Fibula microvascular free tissue reconstruction of the severely comminuted atrophic mandible fracture--case report

Severely atrophic comminuted fractures of the mandible often have inadequate bone stock available to allow for adequate rigid fixation and subsequent progression to union. Grafting with rib, iliac crest or a variety of allograft materials is required in order to increase the success rate of the repair in this patient population. In this article, we report our favourable experience in using a fibula microvascular free tissue transfer for the treatment of a particularly challenging patient with a fractured atrophic mandible. Secondary implant rehabilitation completed the reconstruction. This method may represent an alternative in the treatment of fractures of the severely atrophic mandible in select individuals.