The temporalis osteomuscular flap versus the free calvarial bone graft. An experimental study in the growing rabbit

The authors have conducted an experimental study on the evolution of temporalis osteomuscular flaps compared with calvarial free bone grafts in young rabbits. The evaluation of the results has been performed with macroscopic, radiological and histological investigations in an early and late postoperative phase. This study has confirmed that the bone flaps remain viable and are characterized by a normal evolution. There is no evidence of anomaly of craniofacial growth nor asymmetry when compared with the contralateral side. On the other hand, the free bone grafts show the typical signs of necrosis and resorption. Some asymmetries are produced in comparison with the contralateral side, these being particularly evident in the two-months samples, while the overall craniofacial growth is not seriously impaired. This experimental study confirms the reliability of the temporalis osteomuscular flap in facial reconstruction.