Peri implant bone resorption on microvascular free fibula flap: a radiographic retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: As the vascularization of the microvascular free fibula flap enables to maintain an osteogenic potential, osseointegrated implants have a 86% to 99% success rate. Thus, only few studies consider peri-implant bone resorption (PIBR). The aim of the study was to radiologically evaluate PIBR on fibula flaps. Materials and methods: Data were retrospectively collected. Gender, age, reason for interruptive mandibulectomy, previous radiotherapy, number of implants placed on the reconstruction, length and number of segments of the reconstruction, height of resorption were collected for each patient. Measurements were made on panoramic radiograph. Results: 85 clinical reports were reviewed for 39 retained. Peri-implant bone resorption was observed in 21 (53.9%) patients. The average age of the resorption group was 55.4 . All of the 5 patients with 4 or 5 implants on their reconstruction did not developed PIBR. 59.1% of patients with 1 segment reconstruction developed PIBR, 54.6% with 2 segments and 33.3% with 3 segments. Discussion: Age and poor oral hygiene appeared to be clearly more related to PIBR. An important number of implant (4 or 5) and a reconstruction with more than 1 segment seemed to decrease PIBR. Further studies are required to confirm these hypotheses.