[Application of thoracic skin flap with multiple blood supply in repair of tissue defects and deformities in jaw and neck].
OBJECTIVE
To explore an appropriate measure to repair tissue defects and deformities in mandibulo-cervical region.


METHODS
Eighteen cases with severe tissue defects and deformity in jaw and neck were repaired with thoracic skin flap with multiple blood supply system in our unit from Jan. 2006 to Nov. 2008. Anterior cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery, intercostal branch of internal thoracic artery and lateral thoracic artery were included in the pedicles.


RESULTS
All skin flaps survived, except in one patient in whom a small belb appeared at the distal end of the island flap with anterior cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery, and it was healed after a few dressing changes. The functions and appearances were satisfactory after 6-month to 2-year follow-up, without showing secondary deformity.


CONCLUSIONS
The blood supply of thoracic skin flap is abundant and constant, which is an ideal method for repair of tissue defects and deformities in jaw and neck after taking into account some factors, such as the demand of the patient, general physical condition, and the size of the defect.
Song
Hui-feng
HF
Institute of Burn Research, the First Hospital Affiliated to the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Chai
Jia-ke
JK
Liu
Chun-ming
CM
Chi
Yun-fei
YF
Li
Dong-jie
DJ
Feng
Guang
G
Liang
Li-ming
LM
Zhao
Jing-yu
JY
Gao
Quan-wen
QW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult