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Flap Reconstruction of the Upper Face: Free Flaps VS. Lower Trapezius Myocutaneous Flap
Author(s) -
Krespi Yosef P.,
Baek Se-Min,
Surek Christopher L.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.1983.93.4.485
Subject(s) - medicine , deformity , surgery , free flap , scalp , trapezius muscle , head and neck , electromyography , physical medicine and rehabilitation
ABSTRACT. The immediate one‐stage reconstruction of the upper facial cutaneous defects were performed by using two different flaps. In the first representative patient a microvascular free flap was used; in a second case, the lower trapezius myocutaneous flap was used. Free flaps probably are ideal for the correction of such defects in one stage. This procedure requires specially trained surgical teams and longer operative time. A reliable alternative is the lower trapezius myocutaneous island flap. This offers a flap that is thin, hairless and of uniform thickness. The length and thickness of its pedicle allows excellent mobility and leaves no bulky neck deformity. Both these reconstructive techniques satisfy the need for viable replacement in large upper facial and scalp defects coupled with a satisfactory cosmetic outcome.