Fibula Free Flap
Pronunciation: FIB-yoo-lah free flap
A microvascular reconstructive technique in which a segment of fibula bone (with or without overlying skin) is harvested and transferred to reconstruct jaw defects.
Full Definition
The fibula free flap, also termed the free fibula flap or osteocutaneous fibula flap when skin is included, is the gold-standard reconstructive option following segmental or hemimandibular resection. The peroneal vessels supply the fibula, and these are anastomosed to recipient vessels in the neck under microsurgical technique. The bone's length, geometry, and dual cortical quality make it ideal for complex mandibular and maxillary reconstruction. Editors should note that 'fibula' is the correct anatomical spelling; 'fibular' is the adjectival form used in 'fibular free flap' — both spellings appear in the literature and are acceptable depending on the grammatical role. 'Fibula free flap' and 'fibular free flap' are used interchangeably by many authors; editors should standardize to one form within a document.
Usage
Usage note: Both 'fibula free flap' and 'fibular free flap' appear in the literature; standardize to one form per document. 'Fibula' (noun) and 'fibular' (adjective) are both grammatically defensible depending on context.
In Context
- "Reconstruction following segmental mandibulectomy was achieved with a fibula free flap, providing adequate bone height for future implant placement." — Surgical planning report
- "The article alternated between 'fibula free flap' and 'fibular free flap'; the copy-editor standardized all instances to the former." — Journal copy-editing note