Anterolateral Thigh Skin and Fascia in Facial Skin Defects with Trismus: Two Problems, One Solution

Abstract

A case series of five patients with skin loss in the lateral face with trismus that followed delayed presentation following trauma, necrotizing infection, and radiation fibrosis was treated with coronoidectomy and condylar excision to effect adequate mouth opening; the anterolateral thigh flap was used for cover and the fascia was used as an interposition graft to prevent recurrence. Two patients with more than 9 years of follow-up had an average of 40 mm interincisal opening.

Keywords

• anterolateral thigh flap
• coronoid excision
• condylectomy
• vascularized fascia
• facial skin loss
• necrotizing infection