THE USE OF THE TEMPORALIS MUSCLE FLAP IN FACIAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY - A REVIEW OF 182 CASES

The authors report on their 16-year experience of reconstruction with the temporalis myofascial flap in 182 cases. All aspects of reconstructive cranio-maxillofacial surgery are covered: trauma, deformities, tumours, TMJ ankylosis, facial paralysis. The temporalis myofascial flap was used both as a single and as a composite flap with cranial bone, coronoid process or skin island. Major complications were not observed. On the basis of their experience, the authors confirm the reliability, versatility and reproducibility of the use of this flap. This is due both to its rich blood supply and to its proximity to the reconstruction site. It is suggested that the use of the temporalis muscle flap should be taken into consideration before deciding on more extensive reconstructive procedures.