Periosteal ossification from the vascular pedicle of a free fibular flap.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Free fibular flap is commonly used in mandibular reconstruction. In some cases, to obtain a longer vascular pedicle, the peroneal artery and vein are stripped of the proximal fibula with its periosteum. PATIENT A 17-year-old patient evaluated with fibromyxoma of the mandible underwent excision of the tumor and reconstruction with a 6-cm free fibular flap. To obtain a longer pedicle, the peroneal artery and vein were stripped of the proximal fibula together with the periosteum. The recovery was uneventful. In his 6-month follow-up, there was a hard palpable stick-like mass (4 × 0.5 cm) 3 cm below the mandible. In the panoramic mandibular radiography, there was a radiopaque mass and ossification in the same location. The patient had no complaints, and no further treatment was done. DISCUSSION: Periosteal ossification from the pedicle of the free fibular flap is a very rare phenomenon. However, because of the capacity of the periosteum to regenerate a new bone, it can be seen especially in younger patients. This can be prevented by a more careful dissection of the vascular pedicle from the bone and the periosteum. In cases where the primary disease is a tumor, it can be confused with recurrence. Depending on where the pedicle and the ossification are, it can give rise to symptoms or be totally asymptomatic.