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Facial Plast Surg 1999; 15(1): 45-59
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1064300
© 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Osseous Free Tissue Transfer in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Bryan P. Fong, Gerry F. Funk
  • Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
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Publication Date:
02 June 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Large palatomaxillary and oromandibular defects have a dramatic impact on speech, deglutition, mastication, and cosmesis. Traditional methods of reconstruction, such as locoregional flaps, free bone grafts, alloplastic materials, and prosthetic devices, have difficulty providing meaningful aesthetic and functional reconstruction of these defects. This article discusses current concepts in the reconstruction of large composite palatomaxillary and oromandibular defects with an emphasis on the role of free tissue transfer, including the factors to be evaluated when choosing a method of reconstruction, indications for specific donor sites, and recent technical refinements.

KEY WORDS

Palatomaxillary - mandibular - reconstruction - free-flap