A comparative analysis of free fibula flap donor leg and recipient vessel selection in composite oromandibular defect reconstructions

Background: The free fibula flap (FFF) is acknowledged as the primary choice for reconstructing composite oromandibular defects (COMDs), yet the impact of donor leg selection remains inadequately explored. This study aims to investigate the correlation between flap failure and the choice of donor leg and recipient vessel side.

Materials and methods: In a retrospective analysis spanning 2011 to 2020, FFFs for COMD were examined using electronic records. Patient data, comorbidities, radiation history, FFF details, and intraoperative variables were considered. Laterality was categorized into "Cis" and "Trans" groups, further subclassified based on blood supply. Analyses involved logistic regression, bivariate analysis, and propensity score matching.

Results: A total of 155 subjects with intraoral mucosal defects repaired only by the skin paddle of FFF were included. Cases were categorized into "Cis" (n = 65; 42%) and "Trans" (n = 90; 58%) groups based on COMD side and donor leg selection. No significant baseline differences emerged. Logistic regression found no laterality impact on total FFF failure. Initially, gender correlated with flap failure, but adjustment diminished the association. Partial skin paddle necrosis correlated with diabetes, not laterality. Propensity score matching revealed no significant differences between right and left legs in laterality or total flap failure risk. Subgroup analysis found no differences in parameters or flap failure rates within "Cis" and "Trans" groups.

Conclusion: Donor leg selection in COMD reconstruction with FFFs does not exhibit specificity. Furthermore, despite potential limitations in vessel anastomosis due to pedicle length or trauma history, recipient vessel side selection does not evidently affect flap failure.