Free microvascular transfer of segmental corticocancellous femur for reconstruction of the alveolar ridge

Abstract 

In seven patients with deficiency of the alveolar ridge of the maxilla or mandible the defect was covered with the help of a microvascular corticocancellous transplant of femur. The defects to be corrected measured 3–10cm long, 1.5–4cm wide, and 1–1.5cm high. The microvascular pedicle was between 4 and 10cm long. The descending genicular artery was anastomosed to the facial or labial superior artery and the accompanying veins accordingly.

There were no serious complications and no transplant was lost. In all patients the defect was covered by the correct size and design. All patients were treated with dental implants six months after successful reconstruction of the ridge.

The microvascular osteoperiosteal femur transplant can be used successfully in individual reconstruction of segmental defects of the alveolar ridge.

Keywords: Microvascular bone flaps, Alveolar ridge reconstruction, Augmentation, Osteoperiosteal femur flap