Reconstruction of Through-and-Through Composite Segmental Mandibulectomy Defect in a Patient With a Dominant Peroneal Artery Using an Anterior Lateral Thigh Osteomyocutaneous Free Flap: A Case Report and Description of Flap

Abstract

The anterior lateral thigh osteomyocutaneous (ALTO) free flap represents a unique reconstructive option for patients who are otherwise not good candidates for traditional free flaps to repair a through-and-through defect of the head and neck. We report the case of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity who had undergone composite segmental mandibulectomy with a resultant through-and-through defect. The patient was not a candidate for fibula free flap (FFF) reconstruction owing to the presence of bilaterally dominant peroneal arteries. The patient underwent reconstruction with a single free tissue ALTO flap, with a good viable flap postoperatively. The patient did not experience any major or minor surgical complications and has been living with no evidence of disease. The ALTO free flap could be an effective flap in the reconstruction of through-and-through defects of the mandible for patients who are not candidates for FFF-based reconstruction.