Prelamination of Anterolateral Thigh Osseocutaneous Flap with Fibula for the Reconstruction of Zygomatic Arch Defects after Facial Trauma

Abstract

Complex facial trauma usually results in significant physical, esthetical, functional, and psychological damage. Nowadays, tissue flap transfer is the most effective and common treatment for the reconstruction of facial defects. Among them, the prelaminated flap has a bigger role in reconstructing massive facial defects. In this report, the authors have described a case of a 48-year-old man who presented a complex defect of tissue and deformity in the oral and maxillofacial region because of traffic accident trauma. Given the complexity of this case, it was impossible to complete the reconstruction in a single operation. The authors used a vascularized fibula-free flap (VFFF) to reconstruct the right mandible during the first operation and implanted a segment of fibula into the subcutaneous tissue of the right anterolateral thigh, which was used during the second operation for the reconstruction of zygomatic arch. This individualized treatment plan achieved a final satisfactory surgical outcome.