Ossification of the vascular pedicle in microsurgical fibular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The fibular free flap, often used for osseous reconstruction following extirpation of head and neck malignancies, has been associated with heterotopic periosteal ossification. We aimed to determine the frequency and radiologic characteristics of this process and describe its clinical correlates.

Materials and methods

Surgical records for 2 years and neck imaging reports for 10 years were evaluated to identify patients with fibular free flap reconstruction and CT and/or PET/CT imaging available for review. The images were evaluated for the quality, type, and contour of ossification, and the reports were reviewed for associated clinical findings and radiologic impressions.

Results

Of 32 patients with posttreatment CT or PET/CT imaging, ossificatio

SUBMITTER: Glastonbury CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7966255 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature