[Dental implants and microvascular free fibula flap: 23 patients]

Mandibular reconstruction with a microvascular free fibula flap (MFF) is an elegant solution to restore the anatomic arch, oral functions and facial esthetics. But the thin cutaneous tissue, the thickness of subcutaneous tissues, the absence of a pelvilingual and vestibular groove, and the fragility of soft tissues complicated dental prosthetic retention. Implants may restore prosthetic functionality. There is considerable publication on osteo-integration with a microvascular free fibula flap, but few studies were aimed at the prosthetic aspect, finality of any oral reconstruction. The aim of this retrospective study was to present the results of oral reconstruction with implant supported prostheses after mandibular reconstruction with a microvascular free fibula flap.

Twenty-three patients underwent mandibular reconstruction: 17 men and six women with a mean age of 46 years (17-66). Fourteen patients (60.8%) underwent radiotherapy before reconstruction. Mandibular osteoradionecrosis was the indication for reconstruction in seven patients. Each patient was assessed by dentascan. Implants were placed under general anesthesia. Postoperative clinical and radiographic controls were made regularly. Transmucous abutments were placed after six postoperative months and the prosthetic phase was initiated one month later. The criteria for implant and prosthetic success were assessed.

Seventy-five implants were placed, on average 3.2 per patient, with an 80% success rate. Three implants (4%) were not used for prosthesis. Ten permanent prostheses and 13 removable prostheses were placed. The mean delay before implant loading was 7.6 months (6-10) and the mean follow-up was 27.5 months (1-71). The occlusion was considered as "satisfactory" for 69.6% of patients. For 57% of patients, the quality of surrounding soft tissues was considered as "satisfactory". For 74% of patients oral reconstruction was "satisfactory".

The implant supported prosthesis after MFF mandibular reconstruction, on an irradiated site or not, gives satisfactory results despite the thickness and mobility of soft tissues, and despite scar contracture and the absence of keratinization. Implant placement must be performed after a prosthetic planning. Using radio-surgical guides, despite their cost and difficult adaptation, would certainly bring important improvement to the technique.