Osteoradionecrosis of the external auditory canal: three cases involving reconstruction with transposition of a split temporalis muscle flap

Abstract

Osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone is an uncommon but well documented finding after radiotherapy in the head and neck region, and results in exposed, necrotic bone with a soft tissue defect in the external auditory canal. The defect can be treated either conservatively or surgically. This paper aims to describe the results of reconstruction of the external auditory canal by transpositioning of the superficial layer of either the anterior or posterior part of the temporalis muscle to cover the defect. Three patients with large, symptomatic defects in the external auditory canal were treated with transposition of the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle. The duration of follow up was 4 to 16 months. No complications occurred. In all patients, re-epithelialisation was complete within 3 months. During reconstruction of the external auditory canal, transposition of the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle provides a reliable flap with a satisfactory outcome.