Application of Submandibular Gland Flap in the Repair of Postoperative Defects in Clinical Stage III Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw.

Objective: Investigating the clinical efficacy of submandibular gland flap repair for postoperative defects in clinical stage III osteoradionecrosis of the jaw was the objective of this study.

Methods: The study included 3 patients who declined vascularized fibula flap repair for mandibular defects and 1 patient who was not fit for mandibular reconstruction due to poor systemic condition. The postoperative defects were successfully repaired using a submandibular gland flap, and the clinical outcomes were monitored.

Results: After a 6 to 8 month postoperative follow-up, all patients exhibited good wound healing, no signs of infection, no pain, and normal submandibular gland function.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that submandibular gland flap repair is an effective and feasible approach for addressing postoperative defects in clinical stage III osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, yielding satisfactory clinical results.