The inferior turbinate flap: a novel technique for prosthetic preparation of a total rhinectomy defect

For total rhinectomy defects, the decision to proceed with a prosthetic versus surgical reconstruction is multifactorial, taking into account patient risk factors, availability of donor tissues, the need for tumor surveillance, and personal preferences. When a prosthetic approach is chosen, the reconstructive surgeon is tasked with preparing the defect to maximize prosthetic retention and prevent ulcerations. Stable bone coverage is critical to achieve this aim. Although skin grafting has been described previously for bone coverage, the periosteum is often stripped. We present a novel use of the inferior turbinate flap for preparation of rhinectomy defects that can be utilized regardless of the presence or absence of the periosteum and provides a more durable coverage than skin grafts.