A simple option added for reconstruction of posterior neck defects

Abstract

Background: Posterior neck defects are uncommon and are mainly caused by infections or tumors. Consequently, the reconstruction options are limited in the literature. They vary according to the size and type of the defect, and options range from grafts to free flaps. In this article, we present a series of cases where we used a transpositional locoregional flap as a simple and effective way for the coverage of posterior neck defects. Materials and Methods: In a series of 11 patients, we designed locoregional transpositional flaps unilaterally or bilaterally, according to the defect size. Dissection was carried on a subfascial plane. Results: All flaps survived without necrosis. We had two incidents of minimal wound gaping that healed without any intervention. Conclusion: In this series, we introduce a new option and its algorithm to reconstruct moderate-sized posterior neck defects using locoregional transpositional flaps, either unilaterally or bilaterally. It is simple, easy to conduct, and has a better color match and less complication rate than other options mentioned in the literature.

Keywords

• defects
• flap
• locoregional
• posterior neck
• transposition