Major Donor Area Complication After a Mandibular Reconstruction With an Osseous Fibular Free Flap: Pseudo-Compartment Syndrome

Kuvat S. V., Keklik B., Ozden B. C., Ucar A., Cizmeci O.

JOURNAL OF CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY, vol.23, no.2, pp.499-501, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/scs.0b013e31824cd452
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.499-501
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The popularity of the fibular free flap in mandibular reconstructions is persisting, and major donor area complications rarely occur after fibular free flap operations. Still, we have observed a pseudo-compartment syndrome in a 52-year-old patient on the 12th postoperative day after a mandibular reconstruction with a fibular free flap. When an obstruction in the deep venous system (deep vein thrombosis) was observed in the Doppler ultrasound-guided imaging, the patient has been taken to the operating room for an emergency surgery and the donor area has been completely reopened (in the manner of a fasciotomy). After this procedure, the circulation in the foot appeared to return to normal. The exposed muscles of the patient, who was started on a low-molecular-weight heparin treatment for the deep vein thrombosis, have been closed with skin grafts on the 10th day. No functional loss was observed during the 2-month follow-up period.