A 22-year-old man requires reconstruction of a segmental mandibular defect after ameloblastoma resection. The defect spans the angle and body of the mandible and will require contouring osteotomies. Which free flap is the standard choice?
- A Radial forearm free flap
- B Anterolateral thigh free flap
- C Free fibula flap ✓
- D Rectus abdominis free flap
Correct answer: C. Free fibula flap
Explanation
The free fibula flap provides a long segment of cortical bone (up to about 25 cm) with a reliable peroneal artery pedicle, generous length for multiple osteotomies to contour the neomandible, and good height for osseointegrated dental implants. The radial forearm flap provides thin pliable soft tissue without structural bone, and the anterolateral thigh and rectus flaps are primarily soft tissue flaps unsuitable for load-bearing bony reconstruction.
Reference: Grabb and Smith's Plastic Surgery, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.