Usefulness of the Lower Trapezius Myocutaneous Pedicle Flap for Reconstruction of Third Degree Facial Burn

ABSTRACT

Free flap surgery is commonly used for extensive facial burn. However, free flap surgery requires long operation time and difficult technique. Also, it requires further procedure to prepare the recipient vessels. Hence, applying pedicle flap surgery instead of free flap surgery is effective for patients with facial burn. Among a wide range of pedicle flaps, we performed lower trapezius myocutaneous pedicle flap to patients with third degree facial burn and got satisfactory results without complications. Lower trapezius myocutaneous pedicle flap has a wide arc of rotation so that it can cover middle and lower part of the face. Furthermore, it is thinner than other myocutaneous pedicle flap that can be used for facial reconstruction. Due to these advantages, lower trapezius myocutaneous pedicle can be an attractive option for the reconstruction of facial burn.