Donor-Site Morbidity Following Free Fibula Flap Harvest for Mandibular or Maxillary Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients.

Intro And Aim: The morbidity at the donor-site in the free fibula flap is a well-studied fact in the adult population, but in children, there are few reports of the long-term adverse effects at the donor site. In this study, we evaluate donor-site morbidity, complications, and functional outcome in pediatric patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest for mandibular or maxillary reconstruction, and the relation between pain and walking abilities.

Methods: A retrospective study of 22 pediatric patients undergoing free fibula flap harvest for mandibular and maxillary reconstruction between 2003 and 2014 was conducted.