Reverse U-shaped split temporalis musculofascial flap in cranial base reconstruction.

Abstract

To extend the versatility and range of the temporalis muscle, a new type of temporalis musculofascial flap was developed. This was achieved by dividing the muscle into two portions--anterior and posterior-while maintaining vascular communication between the deep and the middle temporal arteries. This flap is reverse U-shaped with one of the arms of the "U" corresponding to a pedicle, which supplies the blood, and the other corresponding to the recipient region. The bottom of the U corresponds to continuity between the anterior and posterior portions of the muscle, which contains the vascular communication. In two patients with meningioma, the flap was applied to occupy the extradural dead space combined with a pericranial flap to prevent leakage of cerebral spinal fluid to the dural defect. The reverse U-shaped split temporalis musculofascial flap has some advantages for intracranial reconstruction: sufficient rotational arc, adequate thickness, and rich vascularity. A reverse U-shaped split temporalis musculofascial flap is useful and of benefit, especially for reconstruction at the region of the anterior midline skull base.