[The scapular free flap crossing the dorsal midline].
OBJECTIVE
A large defect needs a large flap to repair. This clinical study was to explore the possibility and safeness of transferring the extended scapular free flap.


METHODS
We have used the transverse scapular flap to reconstruct large defects in the mandibular or cervical region in 8 patients. The flap was designed to cross the midline of the back as far as 15 cm. The largest flap measured 31 x 34 cm.


RESULTS
Of the 8 flaps, six survived completely; local epidermal necrosis appeared in two.


CONCLUSIONS
The free scapular flap supplied by a single circumflex scapular vascular pedicle can be safely extended beyond the midline of the back. The flap axis is the horizontal branch of the circumflex scapular vessel.
Li
Y
Y
Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100041.
Li
S
S
Yang
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013524:Surgical Flaps