A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made between the ribs for the diagnosis or treatment of a disease that allows doctors to visualise or remove tissue for biopsy. It is also used for the removal of retained foreign bodies in the chest such as shell fragments, bullets, shrapnel, pieces of clothing, bones, and rib fragments.
An osteocutaneous fibula free flap is a bone-containing flap that has elements of skin and subcutaneous tissue with a defined axial blood supply. It is commonly used for reconstruction of defects in the oral mandibular and maxilla, upper and lower limb long bones, the pelvis, and joints. It provides reliable single-stage reconstruction with excellent functional and aesthetic results.