The deep circumflex iliac artery flap for mandibular reconstruction and donor site reconstruction with a patient-specific implant: A case report

Abstract

Jaw defects may occur due to various causes such as tumors, trauma, and diseases caused by infection such as osteomyelitis. Reconstruction of jaw defects has been improved by the free flaps and refined microvascular techniques. The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap offers a large amount of bone for complex reconstructions of the mandible. However, several complications and adverse effects can occur, such as abnormal hip contour, hernia, severe bleeding tendency, gait disturbance, and hypoesthesia. To reduce these complications, the monocortical DCIA flap can be used, or iliac crest bone defects can be restored with titanium mesh. However, these methods have limitations when used to reduce hip contour reproduction and gait disturbance. In this study, we report a case of iliac bone reconstruction using a 3D-printed patient-specific implant to reduce donor site morbidity in the reconstruction of the DCIA flap in a patient with oral squamous carcinoma.