Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of reconstruction of maxillary defects with vascularized iliac crest flap and simultaneous osseointegrated implant embedding.
Methods: During September to October 2003, two patients with maxillary defects from tumor resection underwent microsurgical reconstruction. The free iliac osteomuscular flap transferring and simultaneous osseointegrated implant embedding were performed to repair the defects. Three months after the reconstructive surgery, an abutment operation was preformed and denture was applied in both cases.
Results: The flaps survived well. Postoperative follow-up for 8 to 9 months showed that the patients obtained good zygomaxillary appearance, normal occlusion, and satisfactory pronunciation, without oronasal fistula or other serious complications.
Conclusions: The free iliac crest osteomuscular flap with simultaneous osseointegrated implant embedding is an ideal, effective and cosmetically acceptable method for maxilla reconstruction.