Comparing Two Fibula Free Flap Fixation Positions for Mandibular Reconstruction Evaluating Facial Symmetry and Patient Satisfaction After Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating facial symmetry outcomes in patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction using fibula free flaps. This study compares two surgical fixation techniques placing the fibula flap at the prosthetically favorable alveolar level versus the conventional inferior border level. The trial involves patients needing mandibular reconstruction due to tumors, trauma, or osteomyelitis with defects larger than 9 cm. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives fibula free flap fixation at the inferior border level, while the other groups flap is fixed at the alveolar level, leaving 15-17 mm space to the opposing teeth. The study follows patients for 12 months after surgery to assess the outcomes of these techniques. Throughout the study, patients are monitored at baseline, 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Researchers measure facial symmetry as the primary outcome and patient satisfaction as a secondary outcome during the 6 to 12 month follow-up. This helps evaluate the effectiveness of the two fixation positions in mandibular reconstruction.

Assessment of Facial Symmetry Following Fibula Free Flap Fixated in a Prosthetically Favorable Position Versus the Inferior Border Position for Mandibular Reconstruction