The osteomusculocutaneous musculoperitoneal groin flap in head and neck reconstruction

The anatomy of the ascending branch of the deep circumflex iliac vessels is reported. This vasculature allows the design of a musculoperitoneal flap, not exceeding 7 cm x 14 cm, together with an osteomusculocutaneous groin flap. The procedure is particularly useful, if resection of an intraoral carcinoma has included such structures as bone and the outer skin of the head and neck. The flap can be harvested with or without the internal oblique muscle. Most common composite defects after resection can be replaced by an osteomusculoperitoneal flap. Clinical applications are also described and one case report is included.