Occurrence and Treatment Outcome of Late Complications After Free Fibula Flap Reconstruction for Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis

PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and treatment outcome of late complications after free fibula osteocutaneous flap reconstruction for mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN). METHODS We enrolled 15 consecutive patients (14 men, one woman; median age 65 years, range 57-80 years) who underwent free fibula reconstruction for advanced mandibular ORN during 2013-2017 with two or more years of follow-up. Late complications included infection, plate exposure, and recurrence at the resection margin. The effect of perioperative antibiotic administration on late complications was also assessed. RESULTS Late complications occurred in 33.3% (5/15) of patients, including two infections (local and distant), two plate exposures, and two recurrences (plate exposure and recurrence occurred in one patient). Perioperative antibiotic administration duration did not significantly affect the occurrence of postoperative late complications. All late complications were treated without problems. CONCLUSIONS Late complications after ORN reconstructive surgery are not uncommon, but can be treated properly.