Expanding the Utilization of the Osteocutaneous Radial Forearm Free Flap beyond Mandibular Reconstruction.

Background The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) for mandibular reconstruction has been well described. Despite this flap's utility in the repair of such defects, the indications for the OCRFFF have continued to expand in recent years. The advantages of the OCRFFF allow for a high degree of versatility in the reconstruction of the various anatomical and aesthetic units of the head and neck. In this review, the authors aim to explore the successful utilization of the OCRFFF beyond the reconstruction of composite mandibular defects. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed. All subjects who underwent OCRFFF reconstruction at a tertiary academic center between January 2004 and December 2014 were identified. A total of six patients undergoing this procedure for indications other than composite mandibular defects of the head and neck were included. Results A total of six patients underwent OCRFFF reconstruction for correction of nonmandibular defects. Flap success was experienced in six of six cases (100%). Indications included midface maxillary reconstruction (N = 2), orbit reconstruction (N = 1), frontal sinus and forehead reconstruction (N = 2), and subglottic stenosis reconstruction (N = 1). There were no immediate perioperative complications. On long-term follow-up, one subject developed a nasocutaneous fistula following radiation and eventually required maxillary hardware removal. Conclusion As a result of its growing role and versatility, the OCRFFF should be incorporated as a multipurpose tool in the armamentarium of reconstructive microvascular surgeons in the repair of composite head and neck defects beyond the mandible.

Factors influencing morbidity after surgical management of malignant thyroid disease.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a retrospective study of cases from 2005 to 2010 at an academic tertiary care center to analyze the factors that influence morbidity in surgical management of thyroid malignancy. METHODS: The rates of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and hypoparathyroidism (HPT) were analyzed in the entire cohort. The comparison groups were 1) primary surgery versus revision; 2) total thyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy combined with neck node dissection; and 3) two groups defined by surgical technique according to the RLN approach: group 1, in which the RLN was identified inferiorly in the tracheoesophageal groove, and group 2, in which the RLN was identified near the cricothyroid joint point of entry. RESULTS: We reviewed 308 patients who underwent surgery for thyroid cancer. Thirty-six (11.7%) had temporary HPT, and 8 (2.6%) had permanent HPT. Of a total of 586 RLNs at risk, 16 (2.7%) had temporary damage and 2 (0.3%) had permanent damage. The incidences of temporary RLN injury significantly differed between the primary-surgery and revision-surgery groups (2.5% versus 15.6%; p = 0.001), and also between the groups with total thyroidectomy and thyroidectomy with neck dissection (1.2% versus 7.8%; p = 0.027). The incidences of temporary HPT were significantly different between the groups with primary surgery and revision surgery (6.6% versus 31.3%; p = 0.001), between the groups with total thyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy with neck dissection (4.7% versus 15.6%; p = 0.009), and between group 1 and group 2 (surgical technique in terms of RLN approach; 8.2% versus 17.9%; p = 0.011). Permanent HPT and permanent RLN injury both occurred rarely in this cohort, with no significant differences among comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a higher incidence of temporary RLN injury and teniporary HPT in revision surgery cases and in total thyroidectomy with neck dissection. Temporary HPT was significantly more common when the RLN was identified near the cricothyroid joint.

Identifying incident oral and pharyngeal cancer cases using Medicare claims.

BACKGROUND: Baseline and trend data for oral and pharyngeal cancer incidence is limited. A new algorithm was derived using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database to create an algorithm to identify incident cases of oral and pharyngeal cancer using Medicare claims. METHODS: Using a split-sample approach, Medicare claims' procedure and diagnosis codes were used to generate a new algorithm to identify oral and pharyngeal cancer cases and validate its operating characteristics. RESULTS: The algorithm had high sensitivity (95%) and specificity (97%), which varied little by age group, sex, and race and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Examples of the utility of this algorithm and its operating characteristics include using it to derive baseline and trend estimates of oral and pharyngeal cancer incidence. Such measures could be used to provide incidence estimates where they are lacking or to serve as comparator estimates for tumor registries.

Rates of bone reabsorption and union in mandibular reconstruction using the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap.

BACKGROUND: Historical concerns over bone resorption and malunion of the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) limited its widespread adoption for head and neck reconstruction, despite lack of outcomes data evaluating this notion. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients 18 years or older who underwent reconstruction of the mandible using an OCRFFF. Linear modeling and logistic regression were used to evaluate the change in bone volume and union over time. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one patients were included in the study. A mixed effects linear model incorporating age, sex, treatment type, and number of bone segments did not demonstrate a significant loss of bone volume over time. A logistic regression model identified lack of adjuvant treatment and time to be significantly associated with complete union. CONCLUSION: This study supports that the OCRFFF is a stable form of osseus reconstruction for defects of the head and neck.

Sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma presenting as an orbital mass.

A 61-year-old man with a history of sinus polyposis and prior sinus surgery presented with left-sided retrobulbar pain and headache. He was found to have left-sided proptosis, and imaging studies showed a large left medial orbital soft-tissue mass. Incisional biopsy revealed adenoid cystic carcinoma. Further evaluation revealed extensive sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient underwent en bloc maxillectomy with orbital exenteration and partial rhinectomy, followed by radiation therapy. The medial orbit is an unusual location for adenoid cystic carcinoma, which the authors believe was a secondary manifestation due to perineural spread from the sinuses via the ethmoidal nerves. Adenoid cystic carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumors of the medial orbit, especially if there is a history of sinonasal disease.

Importance of treatment institution in head and neck cancer radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) often involves radiotherapy. Many HNC patients are treated at the academic center (AC) where the initial surgery or diagnosis was made. Because of the lengthy time course for radiotherapy, some patients are treated at community radiation facilities (non-AC) rather than the AC despite potential AC advantages in terms of experience and technology. Our goal is to determine if these potential AC advantages correspond to a difference in treatment outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Historical cohort study. SETTING: University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Review of records of patients with HNC cancers evaluated at the otolaryngology (ENT) department of an AC. Each patient's information and treatment characteristics were recorded, including radiotherapy treatment venue and treatment outcome. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-four patients were analyzed, 263 were treated at an AC and 101 at a non-AC. Patients treated at a non-AC were more likely to present with earlier stage tumors, be treated with radiation alone rather than chemoradiotherapy, and be treated with adjuvant rather than primary radiotherapy. There was no difference in overall survival or recurrence rates between AC and non-AC. CONCLUSION: Patients treated at an AC are more likely to have advanced stage tumors and receive chemoradiotherapy as their primary treatment. In analyses of matching patient subsets, there was no significant difference in patient outcomes. Patients can be treated at a non-AC without affecting outcome compared with treatment at an AC.

Comparison of Modern Rigid Fixation Plating Outcomes for Segmental Mandibular Microvascular Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: New advances in osseous microvascular mandibular rigid fixation are being employed at many institutions. These include standardized prebent/preformed reconstruction plates as well as computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) custom plates that are patient specific. Our goal was to assess and compare the outcomes of both of these new technologies when utilized for mandibular microvascular reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Subjects were categorized into two groups according to their mandibular rigid fixation technique: group 1 = prebent/preformed plates and group 2 = CAD/CAM custom plates. Primary outcome measures were 1) perioperative complications (defined as deep tissue infection, wound dehiscence resulting in bone exposure, and/or plate exposure) and 2) reoperation rates for mandibular hardware failure/explantation. Statistical analysis consisted of χ2 , Fisher exact test, and multivariable regression models. RESULTS: A total of 142 subjects underwent microvascular mandibular reconstruction in a 6-year period. Eighty-nine subjects utilized prebent/preformed plates, and 53 employed CAD/CAM custom plates. Perioperative complications occurred in 32 of 89 (35.9%) subjects with prebent/preformed plates and 11 of 53 (20.7%) subjects using CAD/CAM custom plates. Reoperation requiring hardware explantation occurred in 18 of 89 (20.2%) subjects and three of 53 (5.6%) using CAD/CAM custom plates. Statistical comparison of perioperative complications between the two groups approached significance (P = .0556), and the rate of reoperation was significant favoring CAD/CAM implants (P = .0180). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, CAD/CAM custom plates utilized for rigid fixation during microvascular mandibular reconstruction demonstrated fewer complications and statistically lower reoperation rates when compared with prebent/preformed plates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c Laryngoscope, 129:1081-1086, 2019.

Mandibular reconstruction.

Mandibular reconstruction presents unique functional and aesthetic challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. This review will cover current techniques for mandibular reconstruction, including the various plating strategies for rigid fixation, the choice of osseous donor site, and the concurrent reconstruction of associated soft tissue defects. Recent developments and future horizons in mandibular reconstruction including the use of virtual surgical planning and tissue engineering will also be addressed.

Outcomes after free tissue transfer for composite oral cavity resections involving skin.

BACKGROUND: Resections involving oral cavity mucosa, bone, and skin present a unique challenge. Optimizing outcomes often requires technically demanding reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of several reconstructive approaches for patients with composite through-and-through defects, with a focus on the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of the cohort of patients treated for composite through-and-through defects with cutaneous involvement who underwent free flap reconstruction from August 2012 through October 2015. RESULTS: Seventeen patients received a single flap (12 cases of osteocutaneous RFFF), whereas 10 patients underwent a combination of flaps. Complication rates and functional outcomes were favorable in patients who underwent osteocutaneous RFFFs. The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) was used as a second flap in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: The osteocutaneous RFFF provides a valuable reconstructive option for complex composite resection defects involving skin. When 2 flaps are required, the SCAIF is a viable alternative to a second free flap or pectoralis flap.

Potent Antitumor Effects of a Combination of Three Nutraceutical Compounds.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with low survival, and the current aggressive therapies result in high morbidity. Nutraceuticals are dietary compounds with few side effects. However, limited antitumor efficacy has restricted their application for cancer therapy. Here, we examine combining nutraceuticals, establishing a combination therapy that is more potent than any singular component, and delineate the mechanism of action. Three formulations were tested: GZ17-S (combined plant extracts from Arum palaestinum, Peganum harmala and Curcuma longa); GZ17-05.00 (16 synthetic components of GZ17-S); and GZ17-6.02 (3 synthetic components of GZ17S; curcumin, harmine and isovanillin). We tested the formulations on HNSCC proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, macrophage viability and infiltration into the tumor and tumor apoptosis. GZ17-6.02, the most effective formulation, significantly reduced in vitro assessments of HNSCC progression. When combined with cisplatin, GZ17-6.02 enhanced anti-proliferative effects. Molecular signaling cascades inhibited by GZ17-6.02 include EGFR, ERK1/2, and AKT, and molecular docking analyses demonstrate GZ17-6.02 components bind at distinct binding sites. GZ17-6.02 significantly inhibited growth of HNSCC cell line, patient-derived xenografts, and murine syngeneic tumors in vivo (P < 0.001). We demonstrate GZ17-6.02 as a highly effective plant extract combination and pave the way for future clinical application in HNSCC.

Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Drive Glycolysis in a Targetable Signaling Loop Implicated in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression.

Despite aggressive therapies, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with a less than 50% 5-year survival rate. Late-stage HNSCC frequently consists of up to 80% cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). We previously reported that CAF-secreted HGF facilitates HNSCC progression; however, very little is known about the role of CAFs in HNSCC metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that CAF-secreted HGF increases extracellular lactate levels in HNSCC via upregulation of glycolysis. CAF-secreted HGF induced basic FGF (bFGF) secretion from HNSCC. CAFs were more efficient than HNSCC in using lactate as a carbon source. HNSCC-secreted bFGF increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and HGF secretion from CAFs. Combined inhibition of c-Met and FGFR significantly inhibited CAF-induced HNSCC growth in vitro and in vivo (P < 0.001). Our cumulative findings underscore reciprocal signaling between CAF and HNSCC involving bFGF and HGF. This contributes to metabolic symbiosis and a targetable therapeutic axis involving c-Met and FGFR.Significance: HNSCC cancer cells and CAFs have a metabolic relationship where CAFs secrete HGF to induce a glycolytic switch in HNSCC cells and HNSCC cells secrete bFGF to promote lactate consumption by CAFs. Cancer Res; 78(14); 3769-82. ©2018 AACR.

Immediate Gore-Tex sling suspension for management of facial paralysis in head and neck extirpative surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of immediate facial reconstruction with a Gore-Tex (expanded polytetrofluoroethylene) sling in irradiated patients undergoing large head and neck tumor extirpation with facial nerve resection. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a retrospective study of 17 patients at two academic institutions who underwent extirpative surgery with immediate Gore-Tex sling reconstruction and completed radiotherapy. Functional and aesthetic results were evaluated at three intervals. RESULTS: All patients had excellent immediate results and good or excellent intermediate-term results. At long-term follow-up, results were good to excellent in 47% and unacceptable in 35% of patients. CONCLUSION: In irradiated patients undergoing total parotidectomy with immediate facial reconstruction using Gore-Tex slings, early results are excellent, but there is a high incidence of major wound complications and unacceptable results in long-term follow-up. SIGNIFICANCE: There is a high rate of late complications associated with immediate facial reconstruction with Gore-Tex slings in irradiated patients.

Secretory Autophagy in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promotes Head and Neck Cancer Progression and Offers a Novel Therapeutic Target.

Despite therapeutic advancements, there has been little change in the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recent results suggest that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) drive progression of this disease. Here, we report that autophagy is upregulated in HNSCC-associated CAFs, where it is responsible for key pathogenic contributions in this disease. Autophagy is fundamentally involved in cell degradation, but there is emerging evidence that suggests it is also important for cellular secretion. Thus, we hypothesized that autophagy-dependent secretion of tumor-promoting factors by HNSCC-associated CAFs may explain their role in malignant development. In support of this hypothesis, we observed a reduction in CAF-facilitated HNSCC progression after blocking CAF autophagy. Studies of cell growth media conditioned after autophagy blockade revealed levels of secreted IL6, IL8, and other cytokines were modulated by autophagy. Notably, when HNSCC cells were cocultured with normal fibroblasts, they upregulated autophagy through IL6, IL8, and basic fibroblast growth factor. In a mouse xenograft model of HNSCC, pharmacologic inhibition of Vps34, a key mediator of autophagy, enhanced the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin. Our results establish an oncogenic function for secretory autophagy in HNSCC stromal cells that promotes malignant progression. Cancer Res; 77(23); 6679-91. ©2017 AACR.

Revisiting the argument for 1- versus 2-vein outflow in head and neck free tissue transfers: A review of 317 microvascular reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the benefit of 1-vein versus 2-vein outflow in microvascular free tissue transfers. METHODS: A retrospective review reflects the experience of 6 surgeons. Analysis included all patients who underwent reconstruction at a single institution between January 2004 and December 2012. RESULTS: Three hundred nine patients underwent a total of 317 microvascular free flap reconstructions for head and neck defects. Two hundred thirteen of 317 flaps (67.2%) used 1 venous anastomosis and 104 (32.8%) used 2 venous anastomoses. Venous congestion necessitated urgent take back in 37 of 57 patients (64.9%) requiring exploration for perioperative complications. Thirty of 37 flaps (81.1%) with venous congestion had 1 vein anastomosis, whereas 7 (18.9%) had dual vein outflow (p = .03). Overall flap success was 303 of 317 (95.6%), despite an 18.0% (57 of 317) perioperative take back rate. CONCLUSION: Coapting 2 veins was shown to minimize venous congestion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 820-823, 2016.

Evaluation of bone length and number of osteotomies utilizing the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap for mandible reconstruction: An 8-year review of complications and flap survival.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of bone harvest length and multiple osteotomies on osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF) complication rates. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients undergoing osteocutaneous RFFF reconstruction during an 8-year period. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five osteocutaneous RFFF procedures were performed. Recipient-site flap complications were 18 of 55 (32.7%) when bone harvest length was less than 7 cm and 40 of 100 (40.0%) when it was ≥7 cm. No osteotomies were performed in 69 of 155 cases with a corresponding complication rate of 30.4% (21 of 69). One osteotomy was utilized in 69 of 155 flaps, whereas 17 of 155 required more than 1 osteotomy; complications were experienced in 42% (29 of 69) and 47% (8 of 17) of these cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Osteocutaneous RFFF complication rates were only slightly higher when the bone length was ≥7 cm or when multiple osteotomies were required.

Role of cochlear integrity in cochlear nucleus glucose metabolism and neuron number after cochlea removal in aging broiler chickens.

In the chicken auditory system, cochlear nucleus (nucleus magnocellularis, NM) neurons receive their only excitatory input from the ipsilateral cochlea. Cochlea removal (CR) results in an immediate decrease in NM neuron electrical activity, followed by death of approximately 30% of NM neurons. Previous work showed a decrease in NM activity and subsequent loss of NM neurons in all chicks. Egg layer adults showed NM neuron loss after CR, while neuron number remained stable in broiler adults. This suggested that effects of CR on NM were age- and breed-dependent. We now know that most aging egg layer chickens maintain largely normal cochleae throughout adulthood. Some exhibit cochlear damage with age. The converse is true of broiler chickens. Most aging broiler chickens display cochlear degeneration, with some maintaining normal cochlear anatomy throughout adulthood. The presence of extensive cochlear damage may alter the effect of CR on NM, leading to the described differences. Here, we examine the effect of unilateral CR on NM glucose metabolism and neuron number in 2, 30, 39, and 52 week-old broiler chickens found to have normal cochleae. Chickens with damaged cochleae were excluded. Using 2-deoxyglucose uptake to evaluate bilateral NM glucose metabolism, we found significantly decreased uptake ipsilateral to CR at each age examined. Bilateral cell counts revealed significant neuron loss ipsilateral to CR at each age examined. This suggests that NM glucose metabolism decreases and subsequent neuron death occurs in aging broiler chickens when a normal cochlea is removed. The status of the cochlea must play a role in the effect of deafferentation on NM glucose metabolism and neuron survival. The effect of CR appears to be dependent upon neither age nor breed, but upon cochlear integrity instead.

Breed-dependent susceptibility to acute sound exposure in young chickens.

Commercially available chickens fall into two categories: egg layers and broilers. Durham et al. (Hear. Res. 166 (2002) 82-95) showed that despite similar noisy living environments, cochleae of most adult broilers show extensive damage, while cochleae of adult egg layers are largely normal. This finding suggests that egg layers and broilers differ in their susceptibility to noise damage. Here, we evaluate breed differences in susceptibility to acoustic trauma. Young egg layers and broilers (10-17 weeks) were exposed to a 1500Hz pure tone (120dB SPL; 24h) and killed 24 or 72h later. Cochleae were prepared for scanning electron microscopy and photomicrographs of the cochlear surface were used to determine location and severity of damage. Cochleae were grouped based upon damage severity (moderate or severe). While location and area of damage were similar between both breeds at each recovery time, cochlear damage at 72h was more extensive than at 24h. We found no quantitative breed differences within either damage category or recovery time. However, more egg layers (25/27) than broilers (16/32) displayed severely damaged cochleae. Our findings conflict with those reported by Durham et al. (2002). Our results identify a breed-dependent difference in susceptibility to acute sound exposure, with young egg layers displaying increased sensitivity.

Predicting severity of cochlear hair cell damage in adult chickens using DPOAE input-output functions.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were recorded from the ear canal of aged broiler chickens which have been shown to present with age-related cochlear degeneration [Hear. Res. 166 (2002) 82]. We describe the relationship between the shape of the DPOAE input-output (I/O) function and the type of hair cell damage present at and between the cochlear frequency places of the DPOAE primary tones (f1 and f2). The mid stimulus level compressive growth of the mean DPOAE I/O functions is reduced in a graded fashion relative to the severity of hair cell damage. However, individual DPOAE I/O functions within most hair cell damage groups show large variability from this characteristic. Various least squares regression models were used to predict hair cell density from indices derived from the DPOAE I/O function (area, threshold and slope). The results showed that no simple linear relationship exists between hair cell density and the DPOAE I/O function indices. Multivariate binary logistic regression used DPOAE I/O function indices to predict membership in hair cell damage groups. The logistic model revealed that DPOAE threshold can be used to predict the occurrence of severe/total hair cell damage with good specificity though poor sensitivity.

Comparison of radial forearm with fibula and scapula osteocutaneous free flaps for oromandibular reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare our experience with the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (group 1) (n = 108) with other commonly used osteocutaneous free flaps (group 2) (n = 56) such as the fibula and scapula in single-stage oromandibular reconstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary-care academic medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent 164 mandibular reconstructions with osteocutaneous free flaps. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of preoperative and intraoperative variables for both groups. We compared recipient-site complication rate, intensive care unit stay, total hospital stay, and postoperative function. RESULTS: The most common donor site used was the radius (n = 108 [66%]), followed by the fibula (n = 36 [22%]) and scapula (n = 20 [12%]). Mean follow-up was 29 months (range, 1-116 months). Group 2 patients had larger soft tissue and/or bony defects. Surgical and medical complication rates and major donor site morbidity in group 1 were similar or better when compared with those in group 2. The lengths of the intensive care unit (4 vs 7 days; P = .009) and hospital stays (13 vs 15 days; P = .06) were shorter in group 1. Although the microvascular success rate was similar in both groups, the local wound complication rate was significantly better for group 1. The difference for the length of intensive care unit stay was statistically significant and potentially amounts to more than 6000 dollars of savings. Functional outcomes, including the ability to tolerate oral diet, tracheostomy presence, and dental rehabilitation, were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The primary site long-term morbidity, donor site morbidity, and postoperative function of osteocutaneous radial forearm free flaps are comparable to those of other commonly used osteocutaneous free flaps such as the fibula and scapula when used in single-stage oromandibular reconstruction.

The role of the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap in the treatment of mandibular osteoradionecrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) in the treatment of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective case review of patients who underwent OCRFFF oromandibular reconstruction after resection of nonviable tissue at an academic tertiary care center because of ORN. Patients with reconstructions other than OCRFFF were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent a composite oromandibular resection for ORN with a reconstruction using an OCRFFF between April 1998 and February 2003. All patients had failed previous less aggressive surgical and medical management of the ORN. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 14-67 months). There were no flap failures or significant immediate postoperative or long-term complications observed. All patients had successful restoration of mandibular integrity and continuity, with 100% success rate of stabilization of ORN. All patients were able to tolerate PO diet, with only one third having to supplement their diet with gastrostomy feedings, compared with 89% gastrostomy dependence preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Primary or adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck malignancies can result in ORN of the mandible. This difficult problem often requires surgical intervention. In our experience, the OCRFFF can be successfully used for oromandibular reconstruction, even in the setting of the heavily radiated tissue with excellent postoperative outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study that demonstrates the efficacy of the OCRFFF as a treatment of mandibular ORN.