Novel Geometry of an Extended Length Chimeric Scapular Free Flap for Hemimandibular Reconstruction: Nuances of the Technique Streamlined by In-House Virtual Surgical Planning and 3D Printing for a Severely Vessel-Depleted Neck

Abstract

Subscapular-based flaps have historically maintained an unparalleled ability to provide a multitude of bone and soft tissue components based on a single vascular pedicle. However, these flaps are often not thought of as an ideal choice for composite defects requiring extended lengths of bone for reconstruction. The ability to harvest long segments of bone and reliably perform multiple contouring osteotomies is fundamental to long-span composite mandibular reconstruction, and microvascular surgeons are often met with significant reconstructive challenges when fibular free flaps cannot be used owing to variant vascular anatomy or occlusive atherosclerotic disease in these specific clinical scenarios. This challenge is further compounded by treatment-related vessel depletion in the neck, which reduces the availability of suitable recipient vessels in close proximity to the reconstruction. We present a case in which all of the aforementioned challenges presented in a single individual, who concomitantly required hemimandibular reconstruction with treatment related vessel depletion in the neck and unsuitable bilateral vascular anatomy in the legs precluding the use of a fibular free flap. This case demonstrates a previously unreported flap component geometry for hemimandibular reconstruction using an extended-length chimeric scapular free flap with scapular tip, lateral scapular border, and parascapular fasciocutaneous skin paddle components.