Evaluation of Anatomic Variations of Fibula Free Flap in Human Fresh Cadavers

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the head and neck defects is still one of the most challenging surgeries for the surgeons. This study investigated on anatomic variations of fibula free flap in human fresh cadavers. METHODS: Twenty fibula free flaps harvested from 10 fresh human corpses were enrolled. The number and type of skin perforators and their origin were recorded during the flap harvesting. After the completion of flap harvesting, the length of vascular pedicle and diameter of the artery and vein at the origin, the fibula length, the distance of the head of fibula to the site of peroneal artery bifurcation and harvesting time were also recorded. RESULTS: The fibula free flaps were performed on 2 women and 8 men with the mean age of 35.6 years. The average number of perforators per flap was 1.7, most of which were musculocutaneous (35.29%) from soleus muscle. The mean fibula length was 33.1 (range: 31-35) cm. The mean distance of the head of fibula to the site of peroneal artery bifurcation from the tibialis posterior trunk was 5.76 (range: 4.5-6.5) cm. The mean length of the pedicle flap was 11.15 (range: 10-13) cm. The mean diameters of the peroneal artery and vein at the origin were 2.83 and 51.5 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the fibula osteocutaneous flap is a reliable choice for maxillofacial reconstruction, flap harvesting is fairly difficult. Accordingly, surgeons must be aware of anatomical variations of the flap and have a suitable case selection to minimize the risk of surgical complications.