Use of a sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap based on the sternocleidomastoid branch of the superior thyroid artery to reconstruct extensive cheek defects.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of head and neck defects has always been challenging due to functional and cosmetic concerns. Although sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flaps have been used for many head and neck defects, use of an SCM flap to reconstruct a cheek defect based only on the superior thyroid artery has not been reported previously. CASE REPORT: The case of a 40-year-old farmer with a large full-thickness cheek squamous cell carcinoma is reported. An SCM myocutaneous flap based on the SCM branch of the superior thyroid artery was used. CONCLUSION: An SCM myocutaneous flap is a valuable option for head and neck reconstructions with reasonable aesthetic results. For properly selected cases, this flap obviates the need to use the pectoralis major or other more distant flaps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .