The Microvascular Osteocutaneous Femur Transplant for Covering Combined Alveolar Ridge and Floor of the Mouth Defects: Preliminary Report

ABSTRACT

In this preliminary report, the surgical technique of an oral defect coverage using the microvascular osteocutaneous flap from the distal medial femur is described and three clinical cases are reported. The new flap was used for covering combined defects of the alveolar ridge and the neighboring floor of the mouth after tumor surgery and irradiation. The bone part of the flap was supplied by the descending genicular artery and the soft tissue part by their first emission-the saphenous artery. Anastomoses were performed between the common part of the flap pedicle and cervical arteries or veins. There were no severe complications or transplant loss. All patients were successfully treated with dental implants (n = 12) 4 to 6 months after ridge reconstruction. The microvascular osteocutaneous femur transplant can be used successfully in individual reconstruction of the alveolar ridge and the neighboring floor of the mouth after tumor resection.

KEYWORDS

Saphenous flap - femur flap - microvascular compound flap

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