Arch Plast Surg.  2012 Jul;39(4):345-351. 10.5999/aps.2012.39.4.345.

Anterior Cranial Base Reconstruction with a Reverse Temporalis Muscle Flap and Calvarial Bone Graft

Affiliations
  • 1Institute of Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Health System, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sgm625@yuhs.ac

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cranial base defects are challenging to reconstruct without serious complications. Although free tissue transfer has been used widely and efficiently, it still has the limitation of requiring a long operation time along with the burden of microanastomosis and donor site morbidity. We propose using a reverse temporalis muscle flap and calvarial bone graft as an alternative option to a free flap for anterior cranial base reconstruction.
METHODS
Between April 2009 and February 2012, cranial base reconstructions using an autologous calvarial split bone graft combined with a reverse temporalis muscle flap were performed in five patients. Medical records were retrospectively analyzed and postoperative computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography findings were examined to evaluate graft survival and flap viability.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 11.8 months and the mean operation time for reconstruction was 8.4+/-3.36 hours. The defects involved the anterior cranial base, including the orbital roof and the frontal and ethmoidal sinus. All reconstructions were successful. Viable flap vascularity and bone survival were observed. There were no serious complications except for acceptable donor site depressions, which were easily corrected with minor procedures.
CONCLUSIONS
The reverse temporalis muscle flap could provide sufficient bulkiness to fill dead space and sufficient vascularity to endure infection. The calvarial bone graft provides a rigid framework, which is critical for maintaining the cranial base structure. Combined anterior cranial base reconstruction with a reverse temporalis muscle flap and calvarial bone graft could be a viable alternative to free tissue transfer.

Keyword

Bone transplantation; Skull base; Surgical flaps

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Bone Transplantation
Depression
Follow-Up Studies
Free Tissue Flaps
Graft Survival
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Medical Records
Muscles
Orbit
Retrospective Studies
Skull Base
Surgical Flaps
Tissue Donors
Transplants
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