M Fujioka1, T Daian, R Murakami, K Makino. 1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Miyazaki Social Insurance Hospital, Japan. m-fujioka@mwc.biglobe.ne.jp
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: It is generally agreed that an effective treatment for extra-articular ankylosis may be coronoidectomy and excision of scar tissue. But these conventional procedures have shown a high rate of recurrence of ankylosis due to heterotopic bone and fibrous tissue formation. OBJECTIVE AND PATIENT: We report a case in whom a coronoid osteotomy and insertion of a free abdominal flap was used to treat ankylosis of the mandible following radiotherapy for maxillary cancer. RESULTS: This procedure prevented recurrence of ankylosis by heterotopic bone and fibrous tissue formation. In addition, this flap reduced the risk of postoperative infection and promoted primary healing. CONCLUSION: The procedure, coronoidectomy and insertion of a free flap, was successful because the well-vascularized musculocutaneous flap occupied the dead space, and replaced the shortage of oral mucosa consequently inhibiting the recurrence of extra-articular ankylosis.
INTRODUCTION: It is generally agreed that an effective treatment for extra-articular ankylosis may be coronoidectomy and excision of scar tissue. But these conventional procedures have shown a high rate of recurrence of ankylosis due to heterotopic bone and fibrous tissue formation. OBJECTIVE AND PATIENT: We report a case in whom a coronoid osteotomy and insertion of a free abdominal flap was used to treat ankylosis of the mandible following radiotherapy for maxillary cancer. RESULTS: This procedure prevented recurrence of ankylosis by heterotopic bone and fibrous tissue formation. In addition, this flap reduced the risk of postoperative infection and promoted primary healing. CONCLUSION: The procedure, coronoidectomy and insertion of a free flap, was successful because the well-vascularized musculocutaneous flap occupied the dead space, and replaced the shortage of oral mucosa consequently inhibiting the recurrence of extra-articular ankylosis.