THE CHIMERIC ALT-VASTUS LATERALIS FREE FLAP IN RECONSTRUCTION OF ADVANCED BRONJ OF THE MAXILLA

Introduction Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a dangerous complication of bisphosphonates, a class of pharmaceutical agents used in numerous bone disorders.No gold standard therapy exists, but recent literature suggests that, in advanced stages, the best results are achieved with aggressive debridement.In this paper, we report our experience of treatment of stage 3 BRONJ of the maxilla with extensive surgical debridement and reconstruction with a chimeric ALT-Vastus lateralis flap.Methods Five selected patients with stage 3 BRONJ underwent partial maxillectomy with disease-free margins followed by immediate reconstruction with a chimeric ALT-Vastus lateralis free flap.Results Only two patients experienced minor complications. All other patients healed uneventfully within two weeks and donor site morbidity was minimal.Conclusions Our data suggest that aggressive debridement and reconstruction with a chimeric ALT -Vastus lateralis flap IS an effective option for the treatment of stage III BRONJ of the maxilla.