Tommy Wilkman1, Jyrki Törnwall2, Jyrki Vuola3, Patrik Lassus3. 1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: tommy.wilkman@hus.fi. 2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. 3. Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The free scapular chimeric flap is a less common choice for facial reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the versatility and safety of the flap, the procedure for a two-team approach, the safety of the osteotomies, the possibility of dental implants and donor-site sequelae and complications. PATIENT AND METHODS: We analysed 34 consecutive patients with oral cancer undergoing large resections in the maxillofacial region as well as scapular chimeric free flap reconstruction. We performed 26 mandibular, six maxillary and two orbital reconstructions using a two-team approach, mainly without repositioning the patient. RESULTS: No flaps were lost. Three patients with a scapular bone and fasciocutaneous flap developed a post-operative fistula, whereas no fistulas developed when the flaps included a muscular component. All osteotomies showed confirmed osseal consolidation. Seven patients received a total of 23 dental implants for oral rehabilitation; no implants were lost. CONCLUSIONS: The scapular flap is reliable and contains sufficient bone to tolerate both multiple osteotomies and osseointegrated dental implants. The flap can be harvested in a slightly tilted decubital position, thus shortening the theatre time. The use of a separate muscle around the scapular bone in mandibular reconstruction is associated with a lower risk of oral fistulas.
INTRODUCTION: The free scapular chimeric flap is a less common choice for facial reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the versatility and safety of the flap, the procedure for a two-team approach, the safety of the osteotomies, the possibility of dental implants and donor-site sequelae and complications. PATIENT AND METHODS: We analysed 34 consecutive patients with oral cancer undergoing large resections in the maxillofacial region as well as scapular chimeric free flap reconstruction. We performed 26 mandibular, six maxillary and two orbital reconstructions using a two-team approach, mainly without repositioning the patient. RESULTS: No flaps were lost. Three patients with a scapular bone and fasciocutaneous flap developed a post-operative fistula, whereas no fistulas developed when the flaps included a muscular component. All osteotomies showed confirmed osseal consolidation. Seven patients received a total of 23 dental implants for oral rehabilitation; no implants were lost. CONCLUSIONS: The scapular flap is reliable and contains sufficient bone to tolerate both multiple osteotomies and osseointegrated dental implants. The flap can be harvested in a slightly tilted decubital position, thus shortening the theatre time. The use of a separate muscle around the scapular bone in mandibular reconstruction is associated with a lower risk of oral fistulas.
Authors: Jacob S Brady; Stuti V Desai; Meghan M Crippen; Jean Anderson Eloy; Yuriy Gubenko; Soly Baredes; Richard Chan Woo Park Journal: JAMA Facial Plast Surg Date: 2018-05-01 Impact factor: 4.611