The use of local flaps to close maxillary defects

Abstract

Several axial pattern and random pattern local and locoregional flaps are available to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon for closure of maxillary defects. Such defects may exist due to ablative tumor surgery, avulsive trauma, or acquired following surgery in the maxilla. Issues to consider prior to closure include the timing of the closure and the selection of the flap for closure. Timing is a function of the tissue diagnosis as well as the margin status in final pathologic sections. It is important to defer reconstruction of these defects until persistence or recurrence is statistically unlikely. Flap selection is based on the size and location of the defect, as well as the structures that remain in the vicinity of the defect. To this end, the temporalis muscle flap, buccal fat flap, tongue flap, and mucoperiosteal flap may be considered for reconstruction of maxillary defects.