Bone resorption after maxillary reconstruction with the vascularized free iliac flap

• Published in: International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery 2023-04, Vol.52 (4), p.430-435
• Main Authors: Chen, H.-M., Kang, Y.-F., Lv, X.-M., Shan, X.-F., Cai, Z.-G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone Resorption; Bone Transplantation - methods; Cancellous bone; Cortical bone; Free Tissue Flaps; Humans; Ilium; Maxilla; Maxilla - surgery; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0901-5027; 1399-0020
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2022.08.010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resorption of the iliac bone after maxillary reconstruction with a vascularized free iliac flap. Twenty-seven patients with maxillary defects who underwent maxillary reconstruction with the vascularized free iliac flap between January 2017 and January 2021 were included. Computed tomography (CT) images taken at 1 week, approximately 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery were used for evaluation. The total iliac bone thickness and height, cortical bone thickness, and cancellous bone density were measured in the CT images. Compared with 1 week after the surgery, the total thickness and height of the iliac bone were reduced significantly 1 year after the surgery, and the cortical bone thickness and cancellous bone density were reduced significantly at 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. Compared with 6 months after the surgery, cancellous bone density was reduced significantly 1 year after the surgery. In conclusion, during the first year after maxillary reconstruction with a vascularized free iliac flap, there was significant resorption of iliac bone, including the total iliac bone thickness and height, the cortical bone thickness, and the cancellous bone density.