PEDICLED OSSEOUS FLAPS

Craniofacial skeletal defects are most optimally reconstructed with va scularized autogenous bone. There are two methods of acheiving such a vascularized osseous reconstruction: microvascular bone transfers and pedicled osseous flaps. Although microvascular composite grafts allow a greater quantity and variety of bone to be moved to the reconstructi ve site, pedicled osseous flaps remain an excellent reconstructive opt ion. Pedicled osseous flaps are not technically complex, result in min imal donor site morbidity, and demonstrate acceptable reliability in s elected cases. This article reviews the realm of pedicled osseous flap s that can be used in craraofacial reconstruction. Although infrequent ly employed, these useful flaps should remain in the armamentarium of the head and neck surgeon.