Predictability of single versus double-barrel vascularized fibula flaps and dental implants in mandibular reconstructions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Statement of problem: Patients with vascularized bone flaps from the fibula have reduced bone height, in which case a higher prosthetic abutment is needed for their implant-supported prosthesis. Although the double-flap technique seems promising, systematic reviews and meta-analyses of prospective studies are lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the grafted areas of single barrel fibular flaps (SBFF) and double-barrel fibular flaps (DBFF) by considering failure rates, dental implant complications, and bone union at the osteotomy sites. Material and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, population, intervention, control, and outcomes (PICO) question, and the National Health and Medical Research Council scales. The event rate of complications and failures was calculated with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: A total of 13 prospective studies with 441 participants and 330 graft sites were identified. A total of 235 participants had SBFF with 445 implants, and 95 had DBFF with 164 implants. The overall combined graft failure rates were 4.2% for SBFF and 3.2% for DBFF. The complication rate was 10% for SBFF and 1.9% for DBFF. Implant failure was at 4.7% in the SBFF group and 3.4% in the DBFF group. Conclusions: Complication rates and implant failures were similar for SBFF and DBFF. Therefore, for long-term oral rehabilitation, both SBFF and DBFF are suitable procedures for mandibular reconstruction.