Chimeric superficial temporal artery based skin and temporal fascia flap plus temporalis muscle flap - An alternative to free flap for suprastructure maxillectomy with external skin defect

Chimeric temporopareital osteofascial and temporalis muscle flap; a novel method for the reconstruction of composite orbito-maxillary defects

Reconstruction of midface defects are extremely challenging owing to the lack of suitable vascularized local flaps. The temporoparietal fascia and temporalis muscle flaps make excellent choices for midface and orbito-maxillary reconstruction. The muscle provides adequate thickness while the fascia yields pliable soft tissues for lining the midface. The temporalis muscle can be divided antero-posteriorly in three parts and medio-laterally in two parts without losing its vascularity due to its segmental vascular supply. These versatile flaps can be used independently, combined or as chimeric flap based on its axial blood supply for the reconstruction of midface. When designed as a chimeric flap it makes an excellent choice for the reconstruction of composite midface defects. With the advent of micro vascular reconstruction these regional flaps are rarely used in maxillofacial reconstruction. We hereby present a case of composite orbito-maxillary defect reconstruction using a novel chimeric reverse temporalis muscle and temperopareital fascia flap with pedicled split calvarial bone.

Reconstruction of composite oral cavity defects with temporalis flaps after prior treatment

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of composite oral cavity defects in the setting of prior surgery and radiotherapy presents a significant challenge. Although free tissue transfer has shown success in such situations, it is not without considerable risk. Regional pedicled flaps may provide a more suitable alternative. In certain patients, however, severe soft tissue fibrosis makes more conventional regional flaps impractical or impossible. In these situations, temporalis flaps (temporalis muscle and temporoparietal fascia flaps) are versatile options for coverage of complex defects.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience using pedicled temporalis flaps for reconstruction of composite oral cavity defects in patients with significant co-morbidities and prior treatment.

METHODS

Three patients were identified and their medical records were reviewed. Their clinical courses and functional outcomes are described. We include a discussion of the operative technique and relevant literature.

RESULTS

All patients had previously undergone extensive treatment. One patient needed reconstruction after resection of a third head and neck malignancy and two patients presented for treatment of osteoradionecrosis. A temporalis muscle flap was used to reconstruct composite oral cavity defects in two patients and a combined temporalis muscle and temporoparietal fascia flap was used for independent defects in one patient. All flaps survived. Functional status and pain improved or stabilized in all patients. There were no major or minor complications.

CONCLUSION

In previously treated fields, where more conventional flaps are impractical, temporalis flaps are a suitable alternative to achieve a stable healing wound and prevent worsening of functional status.