THE TEMPORALIS MUSCLE FLAP IN INTRAORAL RECONSTRUCTION

Background: Reconstruction following excision of intraoral tumours pre sents a challenge to the head and neck surgeon. The purpose of the pre sent study was to review the authors' initial experience with the temp oralis muscle flap. Methods: A retrospective review of the use of 21 t emporalis muscle flaps in intraoral reconstruction at Christchurch Hos pital was performed. The muscle was used to reconstruct defects of the oral tongue, tongue base, buccal mucosa. maxilla, soft palate, retrom olar trigone and tonsillar region. Epithelial cover was provided by ei ther split-skin grafting or ingrowth from adjacent mucosa. Results: On e flap necrosed and one patient developed a wound haematoma requiring drainage. One patient developed a transient frontal weakness, The long -term functional results were excellent, except for one patient with s light tongue tethering. In one patient bilateral flaps were used to re construct a bilateral maxillectomy defect. Conclusion: The temporalis muscle flap is a useful option for reconstruction of moderate defects in the posterior oral cavity and oropharynx.