The sensate medial dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap for closure of cervicothoracic midline defects after spinal surgery: an anatomic study and case reports.

Abstract

Complex cervicothoracic midline defects after spinal surgery are traditionally treated with the use of muscle and myocutaneous flaps. The authors introduce the sensate medial dorsal intercostal artery perforator flap as an alternative treatment for these defects. Following an anatomic study, the use of the flap is illustrated with 3 case reports. This well-vascularized flap is easy to harvest and causes minimal donor site morbidity. It can provide enough volume to obliterate dead space. Inclusion of the cutaneous nerve gives protective sensibility to the reconstructed area.