Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Melissa A Crosby1, Jack W Martin, Geoffrey L Robb
1Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to address questions concerning the functional outcome following mandibular reconstruction with vascularized fibula flap in skeletally immature children
Methods:
Eleven patients 14 years old or younger who underwent mandibular reconstruction using a free fibula flap were evaluated.
Results:
The mean follow-up was 3.4 years. One flap loss occurred and required a second fibula flap. Panorex radiographs showed good bone union and growth in all patients. Functional outcomes were normal according to age in all patients. Two patients had long-term malocclusion. No patients had to undergo corrective orthognathic surgery. Donor-site morbidities consisted of great toe flexion contracture (n = 4) and a valgus deformity (n = 1). All patients had a normal gait, and there were no discrepancies in leg length.
Conclusion:
A mandible reconstructed using a vascularized fibula flap appears to grow accordingly as the child grows, with minimal disturbance to the growth pattern of the midface.