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Five-Step Scapula Tip Flap Harvesting for Oromaxillofacial Defects Reconstruction
Cristina Gomez-Martinez de Lecea1, Riccardo Schweizer1, Andreas Thor1
1From the Departments of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital; Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich; and Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University.
The scapula tip free flap is increasingly used for head and neck reconstruction due to its versatility. This article details a systematic surgical approach for harvesting this flap, simplifying the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- The scapula tip free flap has gained prominence in head and neck reconstructions over the past decade.
- This flap offers significant advantages, establishing itself as a reliable option for complex orofacial defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a systematic surgical approach for harvesting the scapula tip free flap.
- To provide technical guidance for a simpler, safer, and more straightforward flap dissection.
Main Methods:
- Detailed step-by-step surgical technique for scapula tip free flap harvesting.
- Inclusion of specific technical tips to aid surgeons.
Main Results:
- The described approach aims to enhance the ease and safety of scapula tip free flap dissection.
- The methodology is designed for straightforward application in reconstructive surgery.
Conclusions:
- The systematic approach presented facilitates the reliable harvesting of the scapula tip free flap.
- This technique is valuable for surgeons performing head and neck reconstructions with orofacial compound defects.
