title: Use of the splenius capitis muscle flap for reconstruction of the posterior neck and skull in complicated Arnold-Chiari malformation.
abstract: A previously unreported muscle flap using the splenius capitis muscle is described. The flap proved to be of value in management of a difficult case of recurrent CSF leak complicating suboccipital craniectomy for the treatment of Arnold-Chiari malformation. The dura was repaired with a fasciae latae graft, and splenius capitis muscle flaps were used to obliterate the dead space and to complete the operative correction. This reversed a life-threatening situation while preserving the muscles' function and yielding a good cosmetic result. Flap anatomy and design are described for the success of this reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Southern Regional Medical Center, Atlanta, Ga.
authors.forename: N I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Elsahy
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Achecar
mesh_terms: D001139:Arnold-Chiari Malformation / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000637:transplantation*; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D009336:Necrosis; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*