Reconstruction of through-and-through osteocutaneous defects of the mouth and face with subscapular system flaps.

Background: Major ablative surgery in the head and neck region may create composite defects involving the oral mucosa, bone and the overlying facial skin. The large surface area and the three-dimensional nature of these defects pose a difficult reconstructive challenge requiring adequate bone and large, positionally versatile skin flaps.

Patients And Methods: From September 1993 to May 2000, 19 patients with through-and-through osteocutaneous defects of the mouth and face were reconstructed with composite subscapular artery system flaps.