Fibular flap mandibular reconstruction for third-stage medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The incidence and patient population of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has dramatically increased due to the use of drugs suppressing bone metastasis. However, its clinical treatment is still very difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of immediate fibular flap reconstruction for MRONJ in the mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent immediate fibular flap reconstruction for MRONJ in the mandible in our institution from 1990 to 2022 were screened and identified. Their demographics, drug history, symptoms, surgical parameters and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 25 patients with MRONJ stage 3 were included. The main cause of drug administration was osseous metastasis (88%), and zoledronate was the main drug. Pain, swelling (44%), pyorrhea (28%), extraoral fistulas (16%) and necrotic bone exposure (12%) were the main chief complaints. After segmental mandibulectomy, the fibular flap harvest was 9.73 ± 3.37 cm, and 18/25 (72%) were cut into two segments to reconstruct the mandible. Sixty-eight percent had an intraoral skin paddle placed. All of the flaps survived, and 21/25 (84%) of the soft tissue underwent primary healing. During follow-up, the alleviation of symptoms was effective, and there was no primary disease progression or death. CONCLUSION: This is the largest comprehensive investigation of fibular flap reconstruction for MRONJ in the mandible, which is proved to be an alternative and effective treatment for managing advanced patients with MRONJ.