title: [Reconstruction of maxillary defects using a free scapular angle flap].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In addition to prosthetic rehabilitation, maxillary defects can also be surgically reconstructed. Soft-tissue reconstruction employs a radial forearm or latissimus dorsi muscle flap, while bony reconstruction can be achieved using a fibula, iliac crest, or scapular flap. Reconstruction using a scapular flap is further divided into two subgroups: the traditional scapular flap with the circumflex scapular artery as the donor vessel and the scapular angle flap with the angular artery originating from the thoracodorsal artery as the donor vessel.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on four patients who underwent successful reconstruction with a free scapular angle flap between 2009 and 2011, following maxillary resection due to malignancy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vertical positioning of the scapular angle flap enables reconstruction of the facial contour, whereas its horizontal alignment and microvascular anastomosis makes a bony reconstruction of the hard palate possible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The versatility, low rate of donor site morbidity and shape of the scapular angle flap--which resembles that of the hard palate--render it ideal for plastic reconstruction. The suitability of bone quality for dental rehabilitation with implants is a topic of controversial discussion. The scapular angle flap represents an alternative to obturator prosthesis for the reconstruction of maxillary defects ≥ grade I according to Okay et al.
authors.affiliation: HNO-Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
authors.forename: O C
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: Bulut
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Federspil
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Plinkert
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Simon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012540:Scapula / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome