Mandibular reconstruction: experience with the free vascularized fibula transfer

Mandibular resection, following surgery for tumor or osteoradionecrosis, leaves a patient with a swallowing, speech, and cosmetic disability. Repair of the oromandibular defect is difficult and various prostheses and grafts have been used and reported. The most popular form of mandibular reconstruction is the use of the free, vascularized bone transfer. We report our experience with the free vascularized fibula bone transfer in eight patients.