Single innervated segmented vastus lateralis for midfacial reanimation during radical parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Innervated free muscle transfer using the gracilis muscle or temporalis myoplasty has been successfully utilized for facial reanimation in chronic facial palsy. These techniques are less suited to immediate facial reconstruction in the setting of radical parotidectomy, in which the complexity of the defect, patient age, postoperative radiotherapy, and limited life expectancy pose particular challenges.

METHODS: We present a novel description of the use of a chimeric anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and innervated vastus lateralis to achieve midface static suspension and dynamic reanimation in the setting of radical parotidectomy.

RESULTS: The technique is described in detail along with a video demonstrating the early and medium-term results in an example case.

CONCLUSION: Although outcomes using the vastus lateralis free flap for midface reanimation need to be objectively determined, the flap adds the potential of dynamic midface movement in patients undergoing radical parotidectomy who would otherwise not be afforded this opportunity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 602-604, 2017.