Reconstruction of Mandibular Defect with Free Fibular Flap Assisted by Steam Chemical Indicator Strip

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.06.007

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the application value of steam chemical indicator strip in assisting fibula shaping for mandibular defect reconstruction. Methods: The clinical and follow-up data of 60 patients who underwent segmental mandibular resection and free fibular flap reconstruction in Ward 1 of the Nanjing Stomatological Hospital between January 2020 and June 2025 were retrospectively collected. These patients were categorized into three groups according to the fibular molding methods (n=20). Group A was shaping of fibular flap assisted by steam chemical indicator strip. Group B was shaping of fibular flap assisted by digital guide plate. Group C was shaping of fibular flap assisted by the conventional manual method. The primary outcomes recorded included the duration of fibular shaping and fixation, postoperative fibular flap survival rate, and incidence of postoperative complications. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the relative advantages and limitations of the three techniques. Results: The average time of fibula shaping and fixation was (28.27±4.10) minutes in group A, (45.33±5.20) minutes in group B, and (52.91±4.61) minutes in group C. Compared with the other two groups, the time spent in group A was the shortest (P<0.05). The survival rate of postoperative fibular flap was 100% in group A, 100% in group B, and 95.7% in group C. There were 2 cases of postoperative complications in group A (1 case of titanium plate exposure and 1 case of surgical wound infection), 0 case in group B, and 2 cases of vascular crisis in group C. Conclusion: Compared with traditional fibular shaping methods and digital guide plate-assisted fibular shaping, steam chemical indicator strip-assisted fibular shaping can effectively reduce operative time and cost while achieving relatively high shaping accuracy. Therefore, the use of steam chemical indicator strip-assisted fibular flap shaping in mandibular defect reconstruction is an accurate, economical, time-efficient, and clinically feasible approach.

Key words: mandible defect, fibular flap, mandibular reconstruction, steam chemical indicator strip

SUN Yawei, WU Zhuhao, LIANG Yi, CHEN Xin, PU Yumei, SUN Guowen. Reconstruction of Mandibular Defect with Free Fibular Flap Assisted by Steam Chemical Indicator Strip[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(6): 500-503.

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