ABSTRACT
A patient who developed multiple metachronous primary carcinomas of the oral cavity
is presented. After initial radiation therapy, a right hemimandibulectomy was required,
followed ten months later by a left hemimandibulectomy. Immediate reconstruction of
each defect was performed with a free vascularized iliac crest osteocutaneous flap.
Using this flap, both bony continuity and intraoral lining were successfully restored.
The patient was able to return rapidly to his previous activities. The results of
this case suggest that preservation of the mandibular condyle for lateral fixation
of the bone graft is superior to disarticulation of the temporomandibular joint in
terms of cosmetic and functional outcomes.