Free flap transfer for closure and interposition-arthroplasty in noma defects of the lateral face associated with bony ankylosis.

Noma defects of the anterolateral face are often associated with fibrous or bony ankylosis fusing the mandibula to the skull base. According to the extent of the ankylosis, the temporomandibular joint mobility can be restricted or even completely frozen. In third world conditions the surgical approach to severe forms of bony ankylosis consists of a single linear opening osteotomy (trismus release) and the closure of the noma defect with locoregional flaps. Relapse of jaw immobility is common and may be caused by minor bone resection, the lack of adequate postoperative physiotherapy, or even the scarring of the defect coverage. In 4 years the authors have gained increasing experience with folded free flaps for simultaneous closure of outer and inner lining of large noma defects and the maintenance and training of re-established jaw function by the use of a dynamic external distractor fixed between the zygoma and the mandibular body. The authors report the bony reankylosis can be reduced by extended wedge osteotomies of the bony bridge and tip-like shaping of the ascending mandibular ramus. To preclude the reossification of the osteotomy site and fibrous scar formation, a dermofatty or muscular tail of the free flap is interposed into the bone gap. Two cases were treated according to this concept with a free parascapular and a latissimus dorsi flap in combination with simultaneous arthroplasty. During a 6-month follow-up period, no signs of a recurrent reduction of mandibular movement were noted in either case.