Volume 41, Issue 1 pp. 30-36
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Shouldering the load of mandible reconstruction: 81 cases of oromandibular reconstruction with the scapular tip free flap

David H. Yeh MD

David H. Yeh MD

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

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Danny J. Lee BSc

Danny J. Lee BSc

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

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Axel Sahovaler MD

Axel Sahovaler MD

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

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Kevin Fung MD

Kevin Fung MD

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

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Danielle MacNeil MD

Danielle MacNeil MD

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

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Anthony C. Nichols MD

Anthony C. Nichols MD

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

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John Yoo MD

Corresponding Author

John Yoo MD

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

Correspondence John Yoo, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Victoria Hospital, London Health Science Centre, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, Canada N6A 5W9., Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author
First published: 04 December 2018
Citations: 20

This work was presented at the poster presentation of the American Head and Neck Society meeting at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings, San Diego, California, April 27, 2017.

Abstract

Background

The scapular tip free flap (STFF) is becoming more popular for oromandibular reconstruction. This article reviewed the early and late outcomes in a larger series over 9 years.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent oromandibular reconstruction using the STFF at London Health Sciences Centre. Demographic information, surgical data, and complications were collected and analyzed.

Results

From April 2008 to March 2017, 81 STFFs were performed in 80 patients. The average bony reconstruction measured 5.4 cm. Bone-only flaps were utilized in 24 cases (29.6%). Five cases (6.2%) required a single osteotomy. There were 3 (3.7%) flap failures. There were 7 plate extrusions and 11 cases of radiographic nonunion.

Conclusion

The STFF is a reliable option with acceptable early and long-term results. The STFF may be considered as a first line option especially for shorter bone defects or in conjunction with complex soft tissue requirements.

The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties.