Osteocutaneous free scapular flap for one-stage mandibular reconstruction

Developments in microvascular surgery have overcome much of the problem of inadequate vascularity encountered by more conventional methods of mandibular reconstruction. The advantage of the osteocutaneous scapular flap compared with earlier described revascularized bone grafts or composite flaps is its greater versatility in reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the oral cavity concomitant with mandibular reconstruction. This is primarily related to the independent vascular pedicles of the cutaneous and osseous portions of the flap. This flap is our preferred method of reconstructing mandibular defects.