The iliac crest composite flap for oromandibular reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Reconstruction of oromandibular defects after tumor ablation significantly impacts patient quality of life and social reintegration.
• The complexity of these defects necessitates diverse reconstructive techniques, with no single method proving universally superior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the iliac crest-internal oblique free flap for oromandibular defect reconstruction.
• To highlight the advantages of this specific flap in addressing through-and-through oral cavity defects.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing oromandibular reconstruction.
• Utilized the iliac crest-internal oblique free flap for reconstruction of composite oral mandibular defects.

Main Results:

• The iliac crest-internal oblique free flap demonstrated high success rates in restoring functional mastication.
• This flap provides excellent bone quality and soft tissue flexibility, ideal for complex defects.
• Minimal donor site morbidity was observed with this reconstructive approach.

Conclusions:

• The iliac crest-internal oblique free flap is a highly successful option for oromandibular reconstruction, particularly for through-and-through defects.
• Its ability to restore function and its favorable donor site profile make it a valuable technique in the reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium.