CASE REPORT Reconstruction and Characterization of Composite Mandibular Defects Requiring Double Skin Paddle Fibular Free Flaps

OBJECTIVE Fibular free flaps are the preferred method for reconstruction of composite lateral mandibular defects. This reconstructive technique is limited by the skin paddle's inability to freely rotate when attempting to fill 2 poorly aligned defects. Reconstructive surgeons have been exploring multiple methods of creating 2 independent skin paddles based on the same peroneal blood supply. We present a variation of these techniques. METHOD Our patient with a history of squamous cell carcinoma presented with a left retromolar recurrence and osteoradionecrosis of the mandible with a draining anterior sinus tract. The combination of these defects warranted further composite resection with fibular free flap reconstruction. RESULTS A subperiosteal dissection was performed to create 2 separate septocutaneous skin paddles based on the same peroneal blood supply. This dissection and discard of proximal fibula provided the rotational freedom needed for the 2 skin islands to fill both a lateral oral defect and anterior cutaneous defect. CONCLUSION Although similar reconstructive methods have been reported in the literature, the characterization of defects benefiting from these techniques is scarce and unclear. We describe clear and concise characteristics of these defects, which should be meaningful to the reconstructive surgeon when considering operative technique.