Inferior-based Nasolabial Flap for the Surgical Treatment of Stage 3 Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Maxilla: A Technical Note

Publication date: Available online 19 November 2019Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and PathologyAuthor(s): Yoshinori Fujita, Yoshinari Myoken, Tetsuji OkamotoAbstractStage 3 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) requires surgical treatment for resolution of the pathology. In the maxilla, removal of the necrotic bone and infected soft tissue leads to large defects with oroantral communications. It is essential to cover the exposed bone and close the communications by using well-vascularized soft tissue for good long-term results without a relapse of the osteonecrosis. Here, we evaluated the technical usefulness of the inferior-based nasolabial flap (IBNF) for covering the exposed bone and closing the oroantral communications in maxillary stage 3 MRONJ after complete decortication and sinusotomy. No problems were noted in the treated areas in four patients at 12 months postoperatively. Despite the limited number of cases, the IBNF may be a reliable and simple method for the reconstruction of relatively large defects and the closure of oroantral communications in maxillary stage 3 MRONJ without complications.

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathology - November 20, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research