Nasal Septum Reconstruction With Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Abstract

Nasal septum defects cause significant functional and aesthetic morbidity. In large septal defects requiring reconstruction, the goal is to achieve appropriate tissue matching, obtain well-vascularized tissue, and minimize donor site morbidity. Repair alternatives are quite limited in large defects. The medial femoral condyle (MFC) free flap is a preferred option in craniofacial reconstructions due to its vascularized, cortical bone with periostal architecture. In this article, we present a patient who underwent successful reconstruction of a severely advanced nasal septum defect using a medial femoral condyle free flap. A 63-year-old male patient underwent repair with a free MFC flap for an anterior septal defect approximately 2 × 2 cm in size. The cause of the septal defect was previous tumor surgery. A free flap from the medial femoral condyle was designed for repair; the flap bone size was approximately 2 × 2 cm, and the periosteum size was approximately 2 × 4 cm. The patient was followed up for 18 months, and no problems were detected during follow-up. The MFC free flap may be a suitable option for the reconstruction of large septal defects, providing structural support without the need for additional tissue transfer for mucosal covering. It may be kept in mind for the repair of large septal defects.