Jaw Reconstruction

At WAISS Health we offer Fibular Free Flap Surgery for Jaw Reconstruction, a highly specialized, life-changing procedure for patients with jaw defects. Our team of expert microsurgeons, among the most skilled in West Africa, utilizes advanced surgical techniques to restore form and function to the jaw, helping patients regain their appearance, confidence, and ability to speak and chew normally.

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Understanding Jaw Defects and the Need for Reconstruction

 

Jaw reconstruction becomes necessary when a patient experiences significant bone loss due to:

• Head and Neck Cancers: Surgical removal of tumors, particularly in the mandible or maxilla, often requires reconstruction.

• Trauma and Accidents: Severe facial injuries from road traffic accidents or other trauma.

• Congenital Anomalies: Conditions like hemifacial microsomia that cause jaw deformities.

• Osteonecrosis or Osteomyelitis: Bone death or infections that compromise jaw integrity.

 

Jaw defects impact essential functions such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing,
and can also lead to psychological distress due to facial disfigurement. Fibular free flap surgery
offers a reliable and effective solution for reconstructing the jaw.

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What is the Fibular Bone and Why is it Ideal for Jaw Reconstruction?

The fibular bone is the smaller of the two long bones in the lower leg, running parallel to
the tibia. While the tibia bears most of the body’s weight, the fibula primarily provides structural
support for muscles and stabilizes the ankle. Because the fibula is not essential for weight-
bearing, it can be safely harvested for jaw reconstruction without significantly impacting a
person's ability to walk or perform daily activities. After surgery, patients retain normal
ambulation and leg function, as the tibia continues to handle weight-bearing responsibilities.

 

What is Fibular Free Flap Surgery?

The fibular free flap is a surgical technique where a segment of the fibula (the thinner of the
two lower leg bones) is harvested along with its blood supply and transferred to the jaw. This
procedure, also known as vascularized bone grafting, uses microsurgical techniques to connect
the arteries and veins of the fibular flap to the recipient site, ensuring optimal blood flow and
successful bone integration.

Key Advantages:

• The fibula provides ample bone for long jaw reconstructions.

• The procedure preserves the leg’s functionality despite removing a section of the fibula.

• The fibular bone can be shaped to mimic the natural contours of the jaw.

• Soft tissue from the leg can also be transferred if needed for gum or skin reconstruction.

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How the Procedure is Performed

 

Preoperative Planning:

• A thorough evaluation, including 3D CT imaging, is performed to assess the jaw defect and plan the fibular flap design.

• Our team uses virtual surgical planning (VSP) to ensure precise bone shaping and optimal fit.

Fibula Harvesting:
A segment of the fibula bone, along with its blood vessels and surrounding tissue if needed, is meticulously harvested while preserving leg function.

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Jaw Reconstruction:
The harvested fibula is shaped to reconstruct the jawbone. Our microsurgeons use advanced microscopes to connect tiny blood vessels, ensuring the graft remains viable.

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Implant Integration:
o Titanium plates and screws secure the bone graft in place.
o If needed, dental implants can be inserted later to restore teeth.

Postoperative Monitoring:
o Patients are closely monitored to ensure proper blood flow to the flap and successful healing.

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What to Expect During Recovery

• Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay for 5 to 7 days after surgery.

• Initial Healing: Swelling and discomfort are common but manageable with medication.

• Functional Rehabilitation: Speech therapy, dietary guidance, and dental prosthetics maybe necessary to optimize functional outcomes.

• Leg Recovery: Full leg function is usually preserved, with patients walking normally within weeks.

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Why Choose WAISS Health for Jaw Reconstruction?

 

Unmatched Microsurgical Expertise
Our surgical team has extensive experience in advanced microsurgery, making us one of the only
centers in West Africa with the capability to perform complex fibular free flap reconstructions.
Our surgeons have undergone rigorous training and consistently achieve high success rates in
these delicate procedures.

Cutting-Edge Technology
WAISS Health employs the latest in 3D imaging, virtual surgical planning, and microsurgical
equipment to ensure precision, safety, and optimal outcomes.

Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Care
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures seamless collaboration between maxillofacial surgeons,
ENT specialists, oncologists, plastic surgeons, and speech therapists.

Convenient, High-Quality Care in West Africa
For patients in Ghana and neighboring countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone, WAISS Health offers access to world-class care without the burden of international travel. Our results rival those of top centers abroad, saving patients time, costs, and logistical challenges.

 

A Life-Changing Procedure, Closer to Home
For many patients across West Africa, accessing advanced reconstructive surgery has often
meant traveling to Europe, South Africa, or Asia. WAISS Health has changed that narrative. We
provide international-standard care right here in Accra, offering life-changing procedures with
compassionate, patient-centered care.

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