Practical Tips for Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Free Flap

Taylor and Sanders described the first bone containing free flap in the literature in the late 1970s. Deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) free flapDeep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) free flaphistory is a well-accepted reconstruction option for composite bone and soft tissue defects of the mandible and maxilla. No other flap can provide the same large quantity of cancellous bone, with regard to both the width and height, for dental rehabilitation with endosseous dental implants. Harvesting composite flaps with a skin paddle, muscle (internal oblique), and bone is possible if a chimeric design or extra bulk is desired. Vessels are usually unaffected by atherosclerosis and are consistently of sufficient caliber for successful microvascular anastomosis. The donor site can generally be closed primarily, and the incision can be well hidden with proper placement. The purpose of this chapter is to review pearls and pitfalls for deep circumflex iliac artery free flap.