Fibula osteal flap with proximal peroneal perforator skin paddle for composite oromandibular reconstruction: A case report

Rationale Cutaneous perforators of peroneal vessels are divided into proximal and distal perforators on the basis of perforator distributions and musculocutaneous or septocutaneous properties. The traditional fibular osteocutaneous free flap is raised over the distal two-thirds of the fibula with a skin paddle based on distal perforators, which is affixed to the posterior crural septum. However, the skin pedicle may not be available due to anatomic variations or intraoperative injuries. Herein, because of the absence of distal perforators, we reserved and expropriated proximal perforators originating from the musculocutaneous branch of the superior part of the peroneal artery before it divided into nutrient and arcuate arteries and successfully harvested a separate osteal fibula and proximal perforator skin paddle with a single vascular pedicle-peroneal vessel. Patient concerns A 62-year-old man with a 6-month history of mandibular swelling and soft tissue invasion was referred to us. Diagnosis Panoramic radiography and computed tomography showed an irregular radiolucent lesion of the mandibular body, and histopathological analysis confirmed a follicular-pattern ameloblastoma. Interventions The diseased mandible and soft tissue were resected and reconstructed with a vascularized fibular osteal flap with the proximal perforator skin paddle. Outcomes The mandibular contour was successfully restored; the skin paddle in the mouth was in good condition after 8 months of follow-up. Lessons The proximal perforator is reliable and practical for supplying a skin paddle and has significant potential for future applications. We recommend reserving the proximal perforator skin paddle as a backup flap when planning to raise a fibula flap, since unavailability or injury of the traditional fibular skin island based on distal perforators occurs frequently. This approach can avoid the exploration for a second donor site, save surgical time, and reduce surgical complexity. Moreover, we anticipate more frequent use of the proximal perforator flap in the future because of its flexibility and large volume, and since it can be combined with the osteal fibula or fibular osteocutaneous flap. However, an understanding of the traits of the proximal perforator and determination of its peroneal origin by computed tomography angiography is crucial for predesigning fibular osteal flaps with a proximal perforator skin paddle.