Infrahyoid myocutaneous flap in reconstructive maxillofacial cancer and trauma surgery

We report the use of an island infrahyoid myocutaneous flap, pedicled on the superior thyroid vessels, in a group of 21 patients. This flap allows reconstruction of intraoral defects or defects of the lower portion of the face, as large as 10 x 4 cm. We used it in 15 cases to repair parts of the oral cavity, after tumour resection, in 2 patients with mandibular osteoradionecrosis and in 4 patients with gunshot injuries. Among the 21 flaps, no muscular necrosis was observed; however, 4 total necrosis and 4 partial necrosis (< or = 25% of the skin area) of the skin paddle were recorded. Loss of the skin paddle was primarily attributable to the anatomical variations of the veins draining this flap.