The posterosuperiorly based platysmal myocutaneous flap: the underutilized reconstructive option

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Head and neck defects often require complex reconstruction.
• The platysmal myocutaneous flap is a potential reconstructive solution.
• Previous studies indicate promising outcomes for this flap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the posterosuperiorly based platysmal myocutaneous flap.
• To assess its applicability in reconstructing diverse head and neck defects.
• To identify factors contributing to flap survival.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a posterosuperiorly based platysmal myocutaneous flap for reconstruction.
• Applied the flap to defects in the cheek, oral cavity, and larynx.
• Observed flap survival and functional outcomes.

Main Results:

• The posterosuperiorly based platysmal flap demonstrated encouraging reconstructive results.
• The flap was successfully used for intraoral and oropharyngeal defects.
• Maintaining periosteal blood supply by preserving the mandibular base improved flap survival.

Conclusions:

• The platysmal myocutaneous flap is a valuable reconstructive tool for head and neck defects.
• Its thinness, pliability, and availability make it a practical alternative to microvascular flaps.
• Preserving mandibular periosteal blood supply is crucial for optimal flap viability.