Anatomic reconstruction and functional rehabilitation of oromandibular defects with rigid internal fixation

Fifteen consecutive patients undergoing extensive surgery for head and neck cancer involving the oral cavity and oropharynx were reconstructed using the technique of rigid internal fixation combined with various vascularized flaps. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months. Modifications in various myocutaneous or vascularized free flaps combined with an analysis of the radiation physics necessary to make this procedure a viable alternative for immediate and delayed mandibular reconstruction will be discussed. Consistently satisfactory functional and cosmetic results have been achieved.