Modification of the pedicled osteomuscular dorsal scapula flap to include a skin paddle

Abstract

This article describes a reliable surgical alternative for the repair of wide oromandibular defects that require bone and soft tissues, which was applied in two patient cases. While microvascular free flap transfer, especially the fibula flap, is the gold standard for mandibular reconstruction, this reconstruction is challenging in patients with a vessel-depleted neck and/or severe arteriosclerosis. The pedicled osteomuscular dorsal scapular (OMDS) flap is a surgical alternative to free flap transfer in this clinical setting. The technique described involves harvesting of the OMDS flap to include a skin paddle, which is often required to close wide oral mucosal defects.