The Zygomatic Implant Perforated (ZIP) flap reconstructive technique for the management of low-level maxillary malignancy – clinical & patient related outcomes on 35 consecutively treated patients

Abstract

Background: The zygomatic implant perforated (ZIP) flap technique provides immediate reconstruction and rapid dental rehabilitation for low-level malignant tumors. Methods: Patients who underwent ZIP flap reconstruction between December 2015 and February 2021 were followed prospectively. Results: Thirty-five consecutively treated patients were studied with 16 undergoing surgery alone and 19 undergoing surgery followed by radiotherapy. The median time to fit the prosthesis was 29 days with all patients requiring adjuvant radiotherapy receiving their fixed dental prosthesis prior to its commencement. Vascularized flap (100%), zygomatic implant (98.4%), and prosthesis (97%) survival were excellent and the ZIP flap protocol was highly rated by patient-related outcome measures especially for the chewing domain. Conclusions: The ZIP flap technique provides an excellent means of providing an autogenous oronasal seal and a foundation for immediate cortically anchored fixed dental rehabilitation. Clinical Significance: This technique provides rapid and robust rehabilitation for patients presenting with low-level maxillary malignancy despite the use of radiotherapy.