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Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
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Platysma flap: an alternative to free flaps.
Mònica Lafont Rufat1, Bartolomé Nadal Cristobal1, Esther Saura Fillat1
1Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain.
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery
|May 14, 2014
Summary
Platysma flaps offer a viable reconstructive surgery option for oral tumors when microsurgery isn't feasible. This versatile flap provides good aesthetic results and minimal complications for oral cavity defects.
Area of Science:
- Oral surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Reconstruction of oral cavity defects after tumor excision presents challenges.
- Microsurgical reconstruction may not be suitable for all patients due to various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of platysma flaps in oral tumor reconstructive surgery.
- To establish platysma flaps as a viable alternative when microsurgery is contraindicated.
Main Methods:
- A case series of five patients (3 male, 2 female; ages 51-71) with medium-sized (2-4 cm) oral cavity defects.
- Defects resulted from squamous cell carcinoma excision and were reconstructed using platysma flaps post-neck dissection.
- Platysma flap reconstruction was selected due to patient unsuitability for microsurgery.
Main Results:
- No major flap complications such as total necrosis, dehiscence, fistula, or fibrosis were observed.
- Acceptable aesthetic outcomes were achieved in all patients.
- One instance of partial flap necrosis at the tip was successfully managed with debridement and secondary intention healing.
Conclusions:
- Platysma flaps are effective for reconstructing small to medium oral cavity defects.
- This technique is particularly beneficial for patients unable to undergo microsurgical reconstruction.
- Platysma flaps represent a safe and reliable option in oral cancer reconstruction.
