Prefabricated fibula free flaps in reconstruction of maxillofacial defects: Two cases of transplanting a fractured fibula.

BACKGROUND: The two-staged prefabricated vascularized fibula free flap is used in maxillofacial reconstruction. We describe the possible cause and management of two cases of fibula fracture after implant placement. METHODS: The patients were treated with two-stage reconstruction with a prefabricated vascularized fibula free flap. Six dental implants were placed in both fibulas. Fibula fractures occurred during the osseointegration period before the second procedure. The reconstruction was continued as planned. RESULTS: Both fibulas fractured in the distal segment, possibly due to a thinner cortex more distally. Harvesting of a fractured fibula flap is more difficult than normally due to callus formation and fibrosis. Both transplants became fully functional with extended healing and additional surgery. CONCLUSION: The fracture apparently did not compromise the vascularisation of the fibula and proved still sufficient for successful harvest and transfer of the flap. The patient should be made aware that additional corrective surgery may be indicated.

Bone-borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: A retrospective three-dimensional evaluation of the asymmetry in expansion.

PURPOSE: Asymmetrical expansion occurs in patients treated with Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (SARME). In the clinical setting, this asymmetrical expansion is seen in multiple directions. However, the frequency, actual directions and amount of asymmetry are unclear. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyze the directions and amount of asymmetrical lateral expansion in non-syndromic patients with transversal maxillary hypoplasia on employing bone-borne transpalatal distraction by means of SARME. Treatment involved corticotomies of all four bony supports, including pterygomaxillary disjunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case series was formed from patients treated with SARME. Pre- and postdistraction Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans were superimposed. A reference frame was created to analyze lateral expansion asymmetries in five directions. RESULTS: Clinical relevant asymmetries (>3.0 mm) in at least one of the investigated directions occurred in 55% of the patients. Lateral expansion asymmetries occurred mostly in the inferior-anterior part between the left and right segment and asymmetry in total expansion was noted between the anterior and posterior part of the maxilla. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the clinical suspicion that using SARME with a bone-borne distractor and pterygomaxillary disjunction to treat non-syndromic patients with transversal maxillary hypoplasia, results in regular asymmetrical lateral expansion.