Combined V figure-shaped scapular osteocutaneous and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for composite mandibular reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
As early as 1981, the scapular crest was reported as a versatile donor site of vascularized bone flap. In our institute, much attention has been paid to applying a compound flap based on the subscapular vascular system for composite mandibular reconstruction.


METHODS
The combined V figure-shaped scapular osteocutaneous and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap has been used for primary or secondary reconstruction of the mandible, intraoral mucosa and/or external skin following major ablation of the malignant tumors in seven patients.


RESULTS
There was one total flap failure. Satisfactory results were obtained in the remaining patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The V figure-shaped scapular bone flap supplied by the angular branch provides a long rotation arc of vascular pedicle, a long bony segment of more than 14 cm, and a good contour of mental protuberance. The combination of the scapular osteocutaneous flap with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap allows reliable reconstruction of massive and three-dimensional composite mandibular defects.
Yamamoto
Y
Y
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Nohira
K
K
Yamashita
T
T
Shintomi
Y
Y
Hosokawa
M
M
Furkawa
H
H
Sugihara
T
T
Ohura
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001415:Back; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005887:Gingival Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012540:Scapula; D013524:Surgical Flaps