Long-Term Outcomes of Zygomaticomaxillary Reconstruction With Autologous Bone Grafts Supported by Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the pedicle buccal fat pad flap combined with autogenous bone grafts to reconstruct zygomaticomaxillary defects after tumor resection.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective case series analysis of 11 patients that underwent zygomaticomaxillary reconstruction after tumor resection with autologous bone grafts supported by pedicle buccal fat pad flap as the lining of the maxillary sinus from January 2009 to December 2015 was performed. All the patients underwent computed tomography to measure the aesthetic appearance, bone graft formation, mucosa of the maxillary sinus, and their response to treatment, including complications.

Results: With a mean follow-up period of 4.7 years, all patients were pleased with the symmetrical contours of zygomaticomaxillary and symptom improvements of the maxillary sinus except for one patient who complained of transient infraorbital numbness. Recurrence, bone infection or necrosis, and other complications were not observed in the follow-up period.

Conclusion: Pedicled buccal fat pad flap promotes wound healing and prevents the exposure of bone grafts to the maxillary sinus. This technique may be a promising treatment option when reconstructing complicated zygomaticomaxillary defects.