Augmentation of the anterior temporal fossa after temporalis muscle transfer

Pedicled transfer of the temporalis muscle has proven to be a reliable and versatile procedure in reconstructive craniomaxillofacial surgery. Excluding those complications related to the coronal incision, little specific attention has been given in the literature to the prevention or treatment of the esthetic defect that remains after muscle transfer. This article describes a case in which block porous high-density polyethylene was used to eliminate the residual defect of the anterior temporal fossa after transmaxillary pedicled transfer for closure of a large oral-antral communication. The implant provided an esthetically pleasing augmentation of the defect. A discussion and analysis of the implant materials available for reconstruction of this region is also presented.