Myocutaneous trapezius flap.
A random pattern flap, such as the nape-of-the-neck flap, is a delayed cutaneous flap that relies on collateral circulation based on the skin pedicle. The myocutaneous trapezius flap, however, is a cervical flap that does not need to be delayed since it receives its blood supply from a musculocutaneous artery. The author has radiographic and clinical evidence that demonstrates that the upper one-half of the trapezius muscle is primarily, and abundantly, supplied by the transverse cervical artery. If this artery is kept intact during resection and reconstruction, a flap as large as 12 x 42 cm may be maintained. This flap has been used in various types of reconstruction on 23 patients, and it has been successful in terms of viability, versatility, safety, and cosmesis.
D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000098:blood supply; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013524:Surgical Flaps