Temporalis muscle-galea flap in craniofacial reconstruction

With the advent of increasing technological and surgical sophistication in craniofacial surgery, reconstructive efforts are challenged to provide a reliable means of compartmentalization. When dural integrity is compromised in the face of nasopharyngeal or paranasal communication, the risk of ascending infection and potential life-threatening meningitis mandate cranial and facial compartments, separated by sufficient and healthy soft tissues. This paper describes a method of providing pedicled soft tissue coverage and support for the contents of the anterior cranial fossa using a temporalis muscle-galea rotation flap. The vascularized myofascial tissues, capable of carrying skin and bone grafts, are well suited to cover and protect large areas of the skull base. Several cases are described to show the advantages and disadvantages of the technique.