Retrospective review evaluates complications of pectoralis major muscle flap in mandibular reconstruction, highlighting the need for improved patient selection.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate the outcomes and complication rates of using a pedicled pectoralis major muscle flap in mandibular reconstruction after tumor ablation or osteoradionecrosis.
Retrospective review of 21 patients with oral cavity cancer resection or osteoradionecrosis.
Primary outcomes were assessed including plate exposure, wound dehiscence, and flap vitality.
Patients were followed from April 2011 to August 2023 with a median follow-up of 20.5 months.
Plate exposure occurred in 11 patients (52.4%) after a median of 2.7 weeks; 6 required plate removal.
Wound dehiscence was observed in 18 patients (85.7%), and partial flap necrosis occurred in 8 (38.1%).
These high complication rates indicate significant challenges in using PMMF for mandibular reconstruction.