Interesting Case Series Mandible Reconstruction

A 62-year-old man presents with a 5-cm anterior defect of the mandible extending from the parasymphyseal region to the angle after radiation and oncologic resection. A free fibular flap is utilized to reconstruct both soft tissue and bony anatomy. QUESTIONS 1. What are the advantages of and indications for using a free fibular flap in mandibular reconstruction? 2. What are the expected outcomes and complications? 3. Are there any inherent challenges or limitations in working with the free fibular flap? 4. What steps should be taken in the preoperative planning phase? DISCUSSION Oncologic resection secondary to epidermoid carcinoma or osteogenic sarcoma is the leading cause of segmental mandible defects. Benign cystic or fibrotic bone diseases can also lead to segmental loss, and gunshot wound