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Updated: Mar 17, 2026

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Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
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Plastic reconstructive surgery techniques for defect coverage of extended skull base defects.
Felix J Paprottka1, Nicco Krezdorn2, Ramin Ipaktchi2
1Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hand Surgery, AGAPLESION Diakonieklinikum Rotenburg, Elise-Averdieck-Straße 17, 27356 Rotenburg (Wümme), Germany.
Summary
Reconstructive plastic surgery using free tissue flaps offers an effective solution for large skull base defects, ensuring successful wound closure and patient survival. This approach provides durable coverage for complex craniofacial reconstructions.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Craniofacial Reconstruction
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Large skull base defects significantly impact patient appearance and function.
- Defects often result from trauma, surgery, or tumor removal.
- Effective treatment requires advanced microsurgical techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe successful reconstructive strategies for large skull base defects.
- To evaluate the efficacy of free tissue flap reconstruction.
- To highlight surgical techniques for complex defect closure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of nine patients (2008-2014) with massive skull base defects.
- Reconstruction utilized latissimus dorsi (LD), LD-scapula, vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM), and greater omentum flaps.
- Mean follow-up was 2.3 years.
Main Results:
- All nine patients achieved permanent wound closure with free flaps.
- 100% flap survival rate was observed.
- No patient mortality occurred during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Free tissue flaps provide efficient and effective coverage for large skull base defects.
- Complex skin, soft tissue, and dural defects can be successfully reconstructed.
- Flap selection should be individualized based on patient-specific needs.

