Eva Meia Rüegg1, Paul Gniadek2, Ali Modarressi2, Denise Baratti-Mayer2, Brigitte Pittet-Cuénod2. 1. Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland. Electronic address: Eva.Ruegg@hcuge.ch. 2. Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of facial bone defects in children is challenging. The use of well-vascularized bone is mandatory to obtain stable lasting results. This study reports our experience of facial bone reconstruction using prefabricated vascularized calvarium flaps. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 50 patients who underwent 52 maxillary, malar, and mandibular reconstructions between 1988 and 2014 using prefabricated vascularized calvarium flaps. Forty-nine patients suffered from noma sequels; one patient had craniofacial cleft Tessier 3-11. Surgery consisted of a two-step procedure beginning with flap delay and prelamination with skin grafting on the galea. Flap harvest followed at least 2 weeks later (range, 2-16 weeks), including a full-thickness calvarium fragment, which was set into the facial defect. RESULTS: Early complications concerned wound healing and infections requiring surgical revision in six patients at the recipient and six at the donor site. There was one flap loss. Clinical long-term assessment at 15-year median follow-up (range, 1-27 years) showed good results, assuring facial height and contour. Radiological long-term results demonstrated excellent integration of the flap to the adjacent facial skeleton of the growing child. CONCLUSIONS: Prefabricated vascularized calvarium flaps are an effective, safe and lasting method for reconstruction of facial bone defects in children.
INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of facial bone defects in children is challenging. The use of well-vascularized bone is mandatory to obtain stable lasting results. This study reports our experience of facial bone reconstruction using prefabricated vascularized calvarium flaps. METHODS: Retrospective case series of 50 patients who underwent 52 maxillary, malar, and mandibular reconstructions between 1988 and 2014 using prefabricated vascularized calvarium flaps. Forty-nine patients suffered from noma sequels; one patient had craniofacial cleft Tessier 3-11. Surgery consisted of a two-step procedure beginning with flap delay and prelamination with skin grafting on the galea. Flap harvest followed at least 2 weeks later (range, 2-16 weeks), including a full-thickness calvarium fragment, which was set into the facial defect. RESULTS: Early complications concerned wound healing and infections requiring surgical revision in six patients at the recipient and six at the donor site. There was one flap loss. Clinical long-term assessment at 15-year median follow-up (range, 1-27 years) showed good results, assuring facial height and contour. Radiological long-term results demonstrated excellent integration of the flap to the adjacent facial skeleton of the growing child. CONCLUSIONS: Prefabricated vascularized calvarium flaps are an effective, safe and lasting method for reconstruction of facial bone defects in children.