Early and Late Complications of Mandibulectomy Free Flap Reconstruction: Does the Selective Use of Soft Tissue Only Flaps Reduce Complications?

Osseous free tissue transfer for segmental mandibular defects remains the gold standard in reconstruction. In our patient cohort, anterior mandibular defects are associated with greater late (>90 day) complications requiring additional surgery. Comparable outcomes may be achieved with soft tissue only versus osseous free flap reconstruction of posterior mandibular defects.