The Supraclavicular Artery Flap: A Versatile Flap for Neck and Orofacial Reconstruction

Abstract

The supraclavicular skin is thin and pliable; it closely resembles that of the neck and facial skin, making it the perfect source of tissue for neck and orofacial reconstructions. The author sought to provide a concise compilation of the use of the supraclavicular artery flap, including surgical landmarks, modifications, uses, common complications, and anomalies, and experience with the use of the flap in a sub-Saharan African country. A literature search was performed on the Internet and PubMed for anatomic and clinical studies/reports in the English language on the supraclavicular artery flap with a minimum of 10 subjects and sufficient data on postoperative complications. Five anatomic studies (2 of which included clinical cases) and 12 clinical series qualified for inclusion. These articles included 146 flaps from 73 cadaveric studies and 376 supraclavicular flaps in patients (including a series of 22 flaps by the present author). The supraclavicular artery was present in 99% of anatomic dissections and was a branch of the transverse cervical artery in 91% of anatomic dissections. Safe margins for elevation of the supraclavicular artery flap were delimited anteriorly by the clavicle, posteriorly by the superior border of the trapezius, and distally by the insertion of the deltoid muscle. Common flap complications included tip and partial flap necroses. The flap was used successfully in nononcologic and oncologic reconstructions, even with concurrent neck dissection. The pedicled supraclavicular fasciocutaneous flap is emerging as a versatile reconstructive tool for the neck and orofacial regions. It is an excellent option, especially in resource-poor environments and in patients in whom free flaps may be technically difficult. Anatomic and clinical studies have shown it to be consistently reliable, with excellent color matching for the face and neck regions, and have established reliable surgical landmarks, modifications, uses, common complications, and anomalies.