Premium
Reconstruction of traumatic composite skull defect by free serratus anterior muscle and rib flaps
Author(s) -
Liao KuoChun,
Wang CheChuan,
Chen ChunChia
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
surgical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.109
H-Index - 10
eISSN - 1744-1633
pISSN - 1744-1625
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-1633.2011.00539.x
Subject(s) - medicine , skull , craniofacial , soft tissue , anatomy , surgery , psychiatry
The management of traumatic craniofacial defects, especially that involving the skull base with a dura defect and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea, remains a challenge. The main goal of surgery is to obliterate the abnormal communication as a result of bony and soft tissue defects. We present a patient with significant skull defects and CSF rhinorrhoea from traumatic head injuries. The free serratus anterior muscle and rib flap with an arteriovenous loop was successful and provided a solution to complex 3‐D defects requiring both soft‐tissue coverage and a vascularized bone graft. On 13‐month follow up, an adequate coverage and an anatomical contour restoration were shown.