Maxillary Reconstruction Using Submental Artery Island Flap and Sagittal Mandibular Ramus/Coronoid Process Graft...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Maxillary defects often result from cancer ablation, requiring complex reconstruction.
• Current reconstructive techniques may have limitations in achieving optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel technique for maxillary reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the submental artery island flap combined with a sagittal mandibular graft.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study enrolled 11 patients with maxillary defects.
• Reconstruction utilized a submental artery island flap and sagittal mandibular ramus/coronoid process graft.
• The approach involved a modified lateral lip and submandibular incision, with the graft pedicled to the temporalis muscle.

Main Results:

• All reconstructions were successful, demonstrating satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.
• No functional impairment was observed at the donor sites.
• The combined flap and graft technique proved effective in addressing maxillary defects.

Conclusions:

• The submental artery island flap and sagittal mandibular graft offer a feasible and acceptable solution for maxillary reconstruction.
• This technique is safe, quick, and straightforward, with low donor site morbidity and excellent aesthetic results.
• Integration with 3-dimensional virtual operative methods can further enhance postoperative outcomes.