Rehabilitation with endosseous implants in fibula free-flap mandibular reconstruction: A case series of up to 10 years

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical outcome and the aesthetic and functional results of implant rehabilitation of fibula free-flap reconstructed mandibles.Materials and methodsThe charts of patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap and implant prosthodontic rehabilitation between 1998 and 2008 at the Operative Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery of Parma, Italy, were reviewed. In the study the estimated survival rates of implants placed in reconstructed mandibles we identified the prognostic factors and evaluated the functional outcomes.ResultsFourteen patients with a mean age of 50 years (range 15–63 years), were included in the study. A total of 62 implants were positioned. Complications occurred in 7 cases, an improvement in function and aesthetics was reported by the majority of patients.ConclusionsA high survival rate for implants placed in fibula free-flap reconstructed mandibles was observed. Although different factors were believed to be associated with a poorer prognosis (radiotherapy, composite defects, etc.) no statistically significance was found, showing no absolute contraindications to implant placement.