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Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
A novel technique for ventral orbital stabilization: the masseter muscle flap
Amilan Sivagurunathan1, Sonja C Boy, Gerhard Steenkamp
1Section of Surgery, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
|May 29, 2013
Summary
A masseter muscle flap effectively stabilized the ventral orbit after caudal maxillectomy and ventral orbitectomy for ameloblastoma. This surgical technique prevented common complications, offering a viable reconstructive option.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oculoplastic Surgery
Background:
- Tumor resection involving the caudal maxilla and ventral orbit can lead to significant functional and esthetic deficits.
- Reconstruction of orbital defects is crucial for restoring ocular function and appearance.
Observation:
- A case of caudal maxillary acanthomatous ameloblastoma involving the ventral orbit was successfully resected.
- A masseter muscle flap, utilizing the superficial belly of the masseter muscle, was employed to reconstruct the orbital rim defect.
Findings:
- The masseter muscle flap provided stable closure of the ventral orbit following caudal maxillectomy and ventral orbitectomy.
- No major complications such as enophthalmos, globe deviation, or strabismus were observed 8 months post-procedure.
- Mild lacrimation was the only noted clinical sign during re-evaluation.
Implications:
- The masseter muscle flap is proposed as a viable and effective technique for ventral orbit reconstruction after maxillectomy.
- This method shows potential in preventing common post-surgical complications, improving patient outcomes.
- Further studies could validate this technique for broader application in orbital reconstruction.
