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Updated: Mar 30, 2026
Designing CAD/CAM Surgical Guides for Maxillary Reconstruction Using an In-house Approach
Published on: August 24, 2018
Approach to en bloc resection and reconstruction of primary masticator space malignancies
Jerry Castro1, Ilya Likhterov1, Saral Mehra2
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
The aim of this study was to present our experience with management of malignant lesions arising within the masticator space, and to describe a technique of en bloc resection and reconstruction.
Study Design:
Case series and case report.
Methods:
Eight cases of masticator space malignancies treated surgically with en bloc resection and free flap reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
Tumor extirpation was carried out through a parotidectomy approach with mobilization and protection of the facial nerve. Primary reconstruction was accomplished with vascularized bone containing free flaps, fibula (n = 4), scapula (n = 2), and scapula with latissimus dorsi muscle (n = 2). Mean follow-up was 62.5 months (range, 18-132 months).
Conclusions:
En bloc resection of masticator space malignancies can be consistently accomplished through an extended parotidectomy approach. The defect is best reconstructed with a vascularized bone and soft tissue free flap. Favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes can be successfully achieved using the techniques described in this series.
Level Of Evidence:
4.
