摘要
Introduction
<p>Free vascularized fibular flap is considered the treatment of choice in mandibular reconstruction for extensive bone defects. But, when the reconstruction involves a dentate mandible, the fibula has the limit as it doesn鈥檛 offer sufficient bone height to restore the alveolar arch up to the occlusal plane. Therefore, the deficiency in bone height makes implant placement impractical.Materials and methods
<p>We report a case of vertical distraction osteogenesis of a free vascularized fibula flap used to reconstruct a hemimandible after resection of an odontogenic myxoma. The distraction device was applied intraorally. Distraction of 0.5 mm per day was performed followed by 3 months of consolidation period.Results
<p>The vertical discrepancy between the fibula and the native hemimandible was corrected. The increase of vertical bone height was stable and enabled placement of dental implants without any complications.Conclusions
<p>We believe that vertical distraction osteogenesis of free vascularized flaps is a reliable technique that optimizes implant positioning for ideal prosthetic rehabilitation, after mandibular reconstruction following tumour surgery.
