title: The dorsal scapular island flap: an alternative for head, neck, and chest reconstruction.
abstract: The back has become an increasingly popular donor site for flaps because it can provide thin, pliable tissue, with minimal bulk, and the scar can be easily hidden under clothing. The authors performed a cadaveric and clinical study to evaluate the anatomy of the dorsal scapular vessels and their vascular contribution to the skin, fascia, and muscles of the back. On the basis of anatomical studies in 28 cadavers and clinical experience with 32 cases, it was concluded that the dorsal scapular vessels provide a reliable blood supply to the skin of the medial back, making it a versatile flap to use as an island flap. A flap raised on the dorsal scapular vessels can be harvested with a long pedicle and can be rotated to reach as far as the anterior regions of the head, neck, and chest wall. Delaying and expanding the flap may help to facilitate venous drainage. The authors recommend the use of this versatile island pedicle flap as an alternative to microvascular free-tissue transfer for the reconstruction of defects in the head, neck, and anterior chest.
authors.affiliation: Centario 133, Buenos Aires, Argentina. claudioan@fibertel.com.ar
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Angrigiani
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grilli
authors.forename: Yvonne L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Karanas
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Longaker
authors.forename: Sheel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005205:Fascia / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000150:complications; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012782:Shoulder; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*