Prefabricated Fibula Flap vs Bone-Driven and Delayed Implant Installation for Jaw Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Functional jaw reconstruction aims to restore dental occlusion and oral rehabilitation.
• The prefabricated fibula flap (PFF) technique is a reconstructive option for jaw defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prefabricated fibula flap (PFF) technique in occlusion-driven jaw reconstruction.
• To compare PFF with bone-driven and delayed osseointegrated implant installation (BDD) for benign or previously treated malignant jaw diseases.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study comparing PFF and BDD techniques in patients undergoing jaw reconstruction.
• Data collected on postoperative complications, operative time, time to occlusal rehabilitation, and aesthetic outcomes.
• Aesthetic appeal was assessed using standardized digital photographs analyzed by naive raters.

Main Results:

• Overall complication rates were similar between PFF (44.4%) and BDD (25.0%) groups.
• Implant loss rates were also comparable, with 0% in the PFF group and 25.0% in the BDD group.
• PFF demonstrated significantly faster mean occlusal rehabilitation (12.1 months) compared to BDD (60.4 months).

Conclusions:

• The prefabricated fibula flap (PFF) is a safe, effective, and aesthetic option for jaw reconstruction.
• PFF facilitates rapid occlusal reconstruction and oral rehabilitation, improving patient outcomes.
• This technique is a viable alternative for patients with benign or previously treated malignant jaw tumors.