Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42121160›Full record

ArticleBMC oral health2026

L-shaped iliac crest flap: an effective solution for reconstructing Class I and II mandibular defects - a retrospective study.

Zhou-Yang Wu, Zi-Yi Xiang, Wen-Wen Li, Zi-Li Yu, Jun Jia

Abstract read
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Article in BMC oral health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Zhou-Yang Wu *State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
Zi-Yi Xiang *State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
Wen-Wen LiState Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
Zi-Li YuState Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China. zili09@whu.edu.cn.ORCID 0000-0003-0728-8564
Jun JiaState Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, China. junjia@whu.edu.cn.ORCID 0000-0002-9593-5567

Funding

Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation Y-HR2022MS-0452Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation Y-HR2022QN-0515
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMandibular defects of class I and II, frequently encompassing the mandibular angle, a critical aspect of facial aesthetics, are the most prevalent. However, current techniques for mandibular defect reconstruction exhibit limitations in restoring the mandibular angle and pose intraoperative challenges. There is an urgent need for a simpler, innovative surgical approach to mandibular reconstruction.

methodsThis study conducted a retrospective analysis of 24 patients treated with the L-shaped iliac crest flap for partial mandibular defect reconstruction at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, from March 2021 to November 2024. Outcomes were evaluated descriptively and included flap survival, operative details, donor-site morbidity, and qualitative assessment of contour restoration.

resultsIn our study, the flap survival rate was 95.83%. At a mean follow-up of 69 weeks, no major donor-site complications (e.g., hernia, chronic pain) were recorded. Based on subjective qualitative assessment by the surgical team and patient feedback, patients exhibited satisfactory recovery in mandibular angle, facial appearance, intraoral morphology, occlusion relationships, and alveolar ridge height. Clinical and radiographic evaluation suggested satisfactory restoration of the mandibular angle contour and adequate bone height for subsequent dental implant placement in patients.

conclusionsThe L-shaped iliac crest flap concurrently addresses the mandibular body and ramus, utilizing the natural contour of the anterior superior iliac spine to visibly restore the mandibular angle's shape and fullness. The innovative L-shaped iliac crest flap offers a potential option for restoring craniofacial aesthetics and function in mandibular defect repair in the future. Future prospective comparative studies are warranted to objectively assess its aesthetic and functional benefits relative to established techniques.

Indexed as

Bone TransplantationIliumMandibleMandibular ReconstructionSurgical FlapsAdultFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesL-shaped iliac crest flapMandibular angleMandibular defectReconstruction

Identifiers

PMID42121160
PMCPMC13366919

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