TY - JOUR
T1 - Use of the free fibula flap for restoration of orbital support and midfacial projection following maxillectomy
AU - Chang, David W.
AU - Langstein, Howard N.
N1 - Copyright:
Copyright 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2003/4
Y1 - 2003/4
N2 - A total maxillectomy defect, if left unreconstructed or if poorly reconstructed, can lead to enophthalmos, orbital dystopia, feeding and speech problems, and loss of midfacial projection and vertical facial height. When the eye is preserved, despite resection of the supporting infraorbital bone during maxillectomy, bone reconstruction needs to be considered, using a vascularized bone flap. The authors have used the free fibula flap to simultaneously provide orbital support and restore midfacial projection in three patients, following total maxillectomy without orbital exenteration. For large maxillectomy defects with insufficient bony support, a free fibula flap should be considered as a reconstructive method, to adequately restore contour and the necessary structural support, and to provide optimal aesthetic and functional results.
AB - A total maxillectomy defect, if left unreconstructed or if poorly reconstructed, can lead to enophthalmos, orbital dystopia, feeding and speech problems, and loss of midfacial projection and vertical facial height. When the eye is preserved, despite resection of the supporting infraorbital bone during maxillectomy, bone reconstruction needs to be considered, using a vascularized bone flap. The authors have used the free fibula flap to simultaneously provide orbital support and restore midfacial projection in three patients, following total maxillectomy without orbital exenteration. For large maxillectomy defects with insufficient bony support, a free fibula flap should be considered as a reconstructive method, to adequately restore contour and the necessary structural support, and to provide optimal aesthetic and functional results.
KW - Free fibula flap
KW - Maxillary reconstruction
KW - Maxillectomy
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U2 - 10.1055/s-2003-39826
DO - 10.1055/s-2003-39826
M3 - Article
C2 - 12806574
AN - SCOPUS:0038247955
SN - 0743-684X
VL - 19
SP - 147
EP - 152
JO - Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
JF - Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
IS - 3
ER -