Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3167883 | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology | 2009 | 6 Pages |
ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the treatment and prognosis of the palatomaxillary reconstruction with titanium mesh and the free radial forearm flap.Study designThis is a retrospective study of 19 patients with palatomaxillary defects who underwent immediate reconstruction using titanium mesh and a radial forearm flap during the 4-year period from 2004 to 2008. Intraoperatively, the titanium mesh was fixed to the residual bones for the reconstruction of hard-tissue defect after the tumor resection; then the free radial forearm flap was harvested to repair the soft-tissue defect, serving as the intraoral lining and titanium mesh covering.ResultsPostoperative esthetic appearance and function were followed-up. All of the patients achieved a satisfactory facial appearance. The speech assessment was good, and the oronasal reflux did not occur in all patients. Only 3 patients had titanium mesh exposure during the follow-up period.ConclusionThe free radial forearm flap with folded titanium mesh is a reliable option for reconstruction of palatomaxillary defects. It is highly effective for swallowing and speech rehabilitation as well as esthetic reconstruction.