title: The use of the temporalis myofascial flap in oral cancer patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to present our experience using the simple, reliable, and predictable temporalis myofascial flap (TMF) in rehabilitation and reconstructive surgery in cancer patients who are older and whose health is compromised in a way that precludes the use of microvascular free flaps.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our series includes 10 patients (8 men and 2 women), ranging in age from 62 to 85 years (mean, 73.4 years). A full-thickness anteroinferiorly based TMF was used in 5 patients for palatal reconstruction, 3 patients for buccal lining reconstruction, and 2 patients for reconstruction after resection of facial skin and buccal mucosa.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The TMF survival rate in this study was excellent, with an 80% success rate (2 minor complications). Complications included 1 case of a partial distally necrotic flap that resolved after local debridement and did not require further flap manipulation and 1 case of transient, spontaneously resolved facial nerve (temporal branch) palsy and limited mouth opening (<20 mm), which also resolved after judicious physiotherapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The TMF was found in this study to have a fairly low complication rate, was relatively easy to use, and had a predictable outcome. The proximity and reliability of the myofascial flap make it a favorable and highly recommended candidate for oral and maxillofacial reconstructive surgery in elderly patients, who usually have relatively poor recovery potential and decreased physiologic reserves.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
authors: Imad
authors: I
authors: Abu-El Naaj
authors: Yoav
authors: Y
authors: Leiser
authors: Ronit
authors: R
authors: Liberman
authors: Micha
authors: M
authors: Peled
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000601:surgery*