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Pivot point and secondary defect problems with rotation flaps
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, John Peter Smith Hospital, Forth Worth, TX, USA. drzide@facialoralsurg.com
Purpose:
Our goal was to evaluate 2 design properties, pivot point and secondary defect, that affect the results of rotation flaps used to treat skin cancer defects of the head and neck.
Materials And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of the last 50 patients who underwent rotation flaps for closure of skin cancer defects on the head and neck with regard to postoperative complications.
Results:
Four patients experienced complications, all of which were managed to an acceptable conclusion. These complications included tip necrosis and ectropion.
Conclusion:
Rotation flaps, although simple in design, are often modified during their execution. Understanding the basic design and possible modifications of pivot point and secondary defect will yield a successful outcome.