Head and neck tumours: fibula free flap: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Head and neck tumours: fibula free flap

Sample item

After segmental mandibulectomy for a gingivobuccal carcinoma, the surgeon wants to restore the bony continuity and also allow dental implant placement. Which flap is the preferred option?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Fibula osteocutaneous free flap

The fibula free flap supplies up to 25 cm of straight bone with a peroneal artery pedicle and a skin paddle, and the bone can be osteotomised to shape a mandible and accept implants. The radial forearm flap is soft tissue only. Pedicled flaps bring bulk but not reliable bone.

Option by option

  • A. Deltopectoral flap

    The deltopectoral flap is a thin skin flap.

  • B. Radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap

    The radial forearm flap is mainly soft tissue.

  • C. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

    The pectoralis flap is soft tissue only.

  • D. Fibula osteocutaneous free flap (correct)

    Correct. It provides long vascularised bone.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Fibula osteocutaneous free flap. The fibula free flap supplies up to 25 cm of straight bone with a peroneal artery pedicle and a skin paddle, and the bone can be osteotomised to shape a mandible and accept implants.

Why is "Deltopectoral flap" not the answer?

The deltopectoral flap is a thin skin flap.

Why is "Radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap" not the answer?

The radial forearm flap is mainly soft tissue.

Why is "Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap" not the answer?

The pectoralis flap is soft tissue only.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: fibula free flap in ENT. The radial forearm flap is soft tissue only. Pedicled flaps bring bulk but not reliable bone.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Head and neck tumours: fibula free flap?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.