title: The Microvascular Basis of the Superior Thyroid Artery Perforator Flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The superior thyroid artery perforator flap has been presented previously in this Journal as a locoregional flap that provides an excellent tissue match with minimal donor morbidity for lateral face and temple defects. In the current study, the authors aimed to describe the microvascular anatomy of this flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors used in vivo computer tomographic angiography, cadaveric dissection, and ex vivo angiography in order to improve surgical safety and application of this technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors provide a detailed map of the microvasculature that is critical to success in this technique, in addition to useful surface anatomical landmarks for ready application in the clinical scenario. Further, the authors discuss the anatomical basis of this flap with reference to the angiosome concept and the critical presence of true anastomoses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The superior thyroid artery perforator flap has been shown to be an excellent technique for reconstruction of lateral face and temporal soft tissue defects, providing a thin, pliable, hair-bearing tissue with minimal donor morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Parkville, Victoria, Australia From the Taylor Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, University of Melbourne; and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Jeremy L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Ashton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055806:Microvessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000098:blood supply*; D014680:Veins / Q000033:anatomy & histology