title: Maxillary reconstruction using the scapular tip free flap: a radiologic comparison of 3D morphology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scapular tip osteomyogenous free flaps have been described for complex palate reconstruction. Minimal osteotomies are needed because of the similar shapes of the scapula and palate. We compared the bony morphology of the palate and scapular tip to determine the suitability of the scapular tip for palate reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed facial and chest CT images of 10 patients, comparing the morphology of 3 simulated palate resection specimens (total palate, subtotal palate, and hemipalate) with corresponding simulated scapular tip bone flaps from the same patient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Conformance distances between palates and simulated flaps were small, indicating close shape similarity. Median conformance distances were 3.44 mm for hemipalatectomy, 3.56 mm for subtotal palatectomy, and 3.71 mm for total palatectomy. Six outlier observations accrued from 2 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on this analysis, there is close similarity between the shapes of the palate and the scapular tip. This similarity supports use of the scapular tip flap for selected palate defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: Nitin A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Pagedar
authors.forename: Ralph W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: Harley
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Daly
authors.forename: Jonathan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Irish
authors.forename: Jeffrey H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Siewerdsen
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012540:Scapula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000637:transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome