Reconstruction of the through-and-through oral cavity defect with the fibula free flap

Objective: To evaluate our experience with reconstruction of anterior and lateral through-and-through defects of the oral cavity using the fibula osteocutaneous flap.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Methods: Review of patients undergoing reconstruction of through-and-through oral cavity defects between August 2006 and July 2008. Defect size, complications, and need for additional reconstruction were examined.

Results: Twelve patients were identified with through-and-through oromandibular defects reconstructed with the fibula. Soft tissue defects were successfully closed using a de-epithelialized segment to create two skin paddles. Four patients required additional pectoralis major flap reconstruction for secondary fibula skin loss (1), neck skin breakdown (1), delayed flap loss (1), and need for additional tissue for closure (1).

Conclusion: The versatility of the fibula for through-and-through defects of the oral cavity is underestimated, and in most cases it is appropriate to reserve second flaps for salvage reconstruction.