Sternocleidomastoid regional flaps: a new look at an old concept

The main blood supply of the sternocleidomastoid muscle enters it above from branches of the superior thyroid, posterior auricular and occipital arteries. The lower third is supplied by a branch from the transverse cervical artery and at this level there are few if any musculocutaneous branches. Long skin flaps with or without the underlying muscle should be checked with fluorescein before transfer.