Palatal reconstruction using a sternocleidomastoid flap with an upper pedicle
Dupuis, A.; Princ, G.; Gitton, E.
Annales de Chirurgie Plastique et Esthetique 30(3): 251-255
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0294-1260 PMID: 2418749 Document Number: 261496
The repair of extensive palatal defects raises delicate therapeutic problems, especially when they are associated with gunshot wounds. Their extensiveness precludes the possibilities of local or prosthetic plasties. This article reviews different reconstruction procedures. In the case discussed, a sterno-cleiod-mastoidal musculocutaneous flap was used. After briefly recalling the nature of this flap, the authors stress the originality of the procedure adopted as regards the method of bringing the flap on to the recipient site, and its advantages in so far as marginal nature of the esthetic and functional sequelae are concerned, the proximity of the donor to the recipient site, the "protected" vascular pedicle, and the quality of the material. The case presented illustrates the author's remarks. The patient was suffering from severe centrofacial defects from a gunshot wound, aggravated by the effects of a selective embolization under emergency conditions. The flap was used as the centerpiece in the repair, around which successive local plasties were articulated.