fibula free flap: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview
A fibula free flap is a surgical tissue transfer that uses bone from the fibula (the smaller bone in the lower leg) to rebuild missing jaw or facial bone. It is called “free” because the bone and its blood vessels are disconnected and then reconnected to blood vessels in the head and neck using microsurgery. In dentistry and oral surgery, it is most commonly used to reconstruct the mandible (lower jaw) after cancer surgery, trauma, or severe bone loss. It can also create a foundation for future dental rehabilitation, including implant-supported teeth in selected cases.