Superiorly based and island masseter muscle flaps for repairing oropharyngeal defects.

INTRODUCTION: Tumours of the posterior part of the mouth and/or the oropharynx are often diagnosed at advanced stages. Reconstruction in this region has advanced considerably during the last three decades. Although microsurgery has offered major progress and has obviously improved the patients' outcome, the use of local and regional flaps generally remains an ideal solution for reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1994 and December 2001, the defects resulting from resection in 22 out of 38 patients with retromolar and/or anterior faucial pillar squamous cell carcinomas treated at this institution, were repaired by one of two types of masseter muscle flaps. The first type is the superiorly based or cross-over masseter muscle flap, and the second type the island muscle flap (being a modification of the first type). RESULTS: The superiorly based masseter muscle flap was used in 12 patients and the island masseter muscle flap in 10. Both techniques offer a quick and reliable method for repairing oropharyngeal defects in oncologically "safe" cases. Neither require elaborate technique or aftercare. CONCLUSION: The island masseter muscle flap has an advantage over the superiorly based masseteric flap, as it is more flexible, pliable for larger defects, and causes no postoperative trismus.

Acute tongue abscess. Report of three cases.

Abscess of the tongue seems to be a rare clinical entity and is a potentially life-threatening infection. It may result in airway compromise and disseminated infection to other regions. Thus, a tongue abscess should be considered in all cases of acute tongue swelling, especially when host defences are severely impaired. In acute cases the diagnosis of tongue abscess can be reached clinically. Needle aspiration of pus collection is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool, which provides considerable amelioration of symptoms. Three cases of tongue abscess are reported, along with discussion of the presentation, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and management of this disease.

Bilateral bifid mandibular condyle.

The bifid condyle is a rather uncommon condition that is diagnosed radiographically. Its etiology is unknown, although the most tenable theory is that it is of traumatic origin. The purpose of this article is to report a new case of a bilateral bifid condyle (the left one manifested a trifid appearance) and to review the relevant literature.