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Subscapular system of flaps: An 8‐year experience with 105 patients
Author(s) -
Gibber Marc J.,
Clain Jason B.,
Jacobson Adam S.,
Buchbinder Daniel,
Scherl Sophie,
Zevallos Jose P.,
Mehra Saral,
Urken Mark L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.23738
Subject(s) - head and neck , medicine , soft tissue , maxilla , surgery , free flap , mandible (arthropod mouthpart) , dentistry , botany , biology , genus
Background Review patient and defect factors in which this donor site is an optimal choice for reconstruction and to discuss strategies to overcome the perceived drawbacks of this system of flaps. Methods A retrospective medical chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent the subscapular system of free flaps for head and neck reconstruction. Results Ninety‐eight reconstructions were performed for mandibular defects, 4 for maxillary defects alone and 3 for combined mandible‐maxilla defects. The overall success rate was 98%. Conclusion The subscapular system of free flaps is an excellent option in patients for whom the alternative donor sites are either not usable or lack the associated soft tissue elements required for a successful reconstruction. This flap should also be considered as a first choice for patients with complex/extensive surgical defects requiring multiple, independently mobile, soft tissue components; in patients who will benefit from a large muscle flap placed over the vital structures in the neck; patients of advanced age; and patients in whom early mobilization is critical. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1200–1206, 2015