A comparison between fibula and iliac crest in mandibular reconstruction

Nowadays the vascularized free fibula flap and the free iliac crest flap are the methods most frequently used to reconstruct the mandible. This is also the case in our clinic. A retrospective nonrandomized study was performed to compare both flaps. The vascularized fibula free flap and the iliac crest free flap were compared in terms of logistics, flap failure, revisionary surgery, donor site morbidity, and recipient site morbidity. No significant differences in flap failure and revision surgery were found between the fibula group and the iliac crest group. Recipient site and donor site complications (major and minor) were significantly less in the fibula group compared to the iliac crest group. In mandibular reconstruction, the free vascularized fibula flap appears to be superior to the free vascularized iliac crest flap in terms of both recipient site and donor site morbidity.