UNASSIGNED: The phenomenon of vessel pedicle ossification is a noteworthy aspect of the repair and reconstruction of maxillofacial defects. Imaging findings typically reveal high-density shadows within the vascular pedicle pathway, which may be managed through conservative observation or surgical intervention as deemed appropriate.
UNASSIGNED: Vessel pedicle ossification is a relatively uncommon complication associated with the reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial tissue defects using free tissue flap repair. In this paper, we report a case of pedicle ossification and conduct a comprehensive review of previous literature. A 39-year-old man presented with a limited ability to open his mouth 6 months after fibular flap reconstruction of the mandible. Plain film X-ray and computed tomography (CT) indicated pedicle ossification. Two years after the initial operation, the restriction in the patient\'s ability to open his mouth had not worsened, although there were more pronounced radiographic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: The osteogenic potential of vascularized periosteum has been described in a few cases in the literature, and many different factors have been pointed out as plausible. Our aim was to review the literature in order to give a complete overview of this topic and to report on our clinical experience.
METHODS: Our experience includes three patients who underwent maxillectomy and FFF reconstruction. A progressive reduction in mouth opening was noticed in the months after surgery, and CT scans showed calcified tissue around the pedicle. Surgical revisions were performed. No recurrences were noticed. A full systematic literature review was conducted, including studies published on or before September 2016.
RESULTS: Clinically, free flap pedicle ossification is presented as trismus, hard swelling, and severe pain during movements, although the diagnosis is scarce and often fortuitous. From January 2010 to January 2016 we performed 68 FFF reconstructions, and the incidence of FFF pedicle ossification in our experience was 4.4%.
CONCLUSIONS: Ossification of FFF pedicle is uncommon, but when it occurs, it has dramatic clinical consequences. Follow-up CT scan can be useful in diagnosis. In our experience, surgery should be performed only when the patient is symptomatic.