What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the charts of 24 patients who received implant-supported prostheses after mandibular resection and fibula free-flap reconstruction to estimate implant survival rates and identify prognostic factors.
What They Found
Out of 100 implants placed in 24 patients, six failed over a mean follow-up of 51.7 months. The overall 5- and 10-year cumulative survival rates were 97.0% and 79.9%, respectively. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) was significantly associated with an increased risk of implant failure.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with fibula free-flaps can expect high long-term survival rates for dental implants. However, patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy may face a higher risk of implant failure, which should be discussed with their care team.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in the United States and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's retrospective design and relatively small sample size of 24 patients limit the generalizability of its findings.