[Anatomic bases of the infrahyoid flap: vascular pedicles and innervation].
The infrahyoid flap is used in head and neck reconstruction, especially in oral defect. This study is designed to determine vascular pedicles and innervation of the infrahyoid muscles and flap.


METHODS
The neck regions of 12 injected cadavers were investigated bilaterally.


RESULTS
The arterial pedicles of the infrahyoid muscles are the superior and inferior thyroid arteries. The arterial pedicles of the flap are the superior thyroid artery. The venous pedicles of the muscles and flap are the superior thyroid, lingual and facial veins. The infrahyoid flap is innervated by the ansa cervicalis.


CONCLUSIONS
The infrahyoid flap seems to be an excellent flap for oral, oropharynx and superior facial part reconstruction. It can be harvested easily in the same operation area.
Haddad
D
D
Service de chirurgie plastique et maxillofaciale, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, 26 avenue Arnold-Netter, 75012 Paris, France. dh2803@hotmail.com
Vacher
C
C
D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation*