Cervico-acromial flap based on the supraclavicular artery for head and neck reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effect of cervico-acromial fasciocutaneous flap based on the supraclavicular artery as a method for face and neck reconstruction. Methods From Oct 1990 to June 2014, 17 patients, with the age range of 7 to 51 years, suffering from cicatricle contractures of neck or facial defect, were treated with cervico-acromial fascicutaneous flaps. 29 flaps were used in 12 patients bilaterally or multiply. The donor sites of 2 patients were closed by skin graft; while in the rest 15 patients, the donor sites were closed by expanded flaps. Results All the 29 flaps were survived, with satisfactory color and texture. Hematoma occurred in 1 case after tissue expander implantation, but the flap was successfully expanded after evacuation of hematoma. The size of flaps ranged from 15 cm×7 cm to 35 cm×15 cm. 10 patients completed 6 months follow-up, and presented with satisfactory appearance and better functional results. Conclusions Cervico-acromial fascicutaneous flap based on the supraclavicular artery is an good choice for reconstruction of neck and facial defects. Key words: Supraclavicular artery; Surgical flap; Neck scar contracture; Facial and neck defects