Role of the facial artery musculomucosal flap in the reconstruction of palatal defects

Abstract

The facial artery musculomucosal flap (FAMM flap) is a convenient option for covering complicated palatal defects, as it is a local flap inside the oral cavity with good tissue quality and minimal drawbacks. The present prospective study included 17 patients, 7 males and 10 females. Most of the patients had palatal fistulae, after cleft palate surgical repair; only one had a post-traumatic palatal defect. Superiorly based FAMM flaps were used for eight patients, and inferiorly based FAMM flaps were used for nine patients. A speech specialist assessed all patients, postoperatively. The range of follow-up time was from two to four years. In the majority of cases, reconstruction was successful and uneventful. Patients were satisfied regarding oral function. Complications were minor, which include incomplete coverage, bulkiness, temporary hardness and dimpling. The FAMM flap is a very useful, versatile, and technically easy flap for covering difficult palatal defects.