Maxillary Reconstruction Using Submental Artery Island Flap and Sagittal Mandibular Ramus/Coronoid Process Graft Pedicled With Temporalis Muscle.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe maxillary reconstruction using the submental artery island flap and the sagittal mandibular ramus and coronoid process graft pedicled with the temporalis muscle through the modified lateral lip and submandibular approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2013 to September 2016, 11 patients with maxillary defects secondary to maxillary cancer ablation who underwent maxillary reconstruction using a submental artery island flap and a sagittal mandibular ramus and coronoid process graft pedicled with the temporalis muscle through the modified lateral lip and submandibular approach were enrolled in this prospective study.

RESULTS: All submental artery island flaps and sagittal mandibular ramus and coronoid process grafts were successful, with satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes. No functional impairment at the donor site occurred in any case.

CONCLUSION: The submental artery island flap combined with the sagittal mandibular ramus and coronoid process graft is a feasible and acceptable technique for maxillary reconstruction in older patients because it is safe, quick, and straightforward to harvest and it offers a very acceptable esthetic and satisfactory outcome, with the advantage of low morbidity of the donor site. When combined with the 3-dimensional virtual operative method, the technique can improve postoperative outcomes.