Purpose: To evaluate a reconstructive method in repairing the defect after resection of the osteoradionecrosis of the mandible.
Methods: 12 cases of the osteoradionecrosis of mandible from July 2003 to July 2008, underwent partial mandibulectomy. The reconstructive Ti-plate with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was used to reconstruct the mandibular defects with or without adjacent soft tissue defects. The post-operative effects and flap successful rate were evaluated with a follow-up period of 3 months to 5 years.
Results: All the 12 flaps were 100% survival, and no plate exposure was found after operation in the follow up period. One plate fracture was found 2 and half years after reconstruction. The mouth opening was 2.0-2.5 cm and the occlusive deviation was limited to half to one tooth. 6 patients were satisfactory with the outlook, 4 patients felt fair with the outlook, and 2 patients had a little disappointment with the outlook.
Conclusion: The reconstructive Ti-plate with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is a cost-effective, safe method in reconstruction of the mandibular defects from osteonecrosis with or without adjacent soft tissue defects, especially in case of low quality of head and neck vascular donor sites for microsurgical reconstruction.