Use of the versatile sternocleidomastoid flap in oral and maxillofacial surgery: our experience.

Our aim was to evaluate the reliability of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flaps in the reconstruction of defects after oral and maxillofacial resections, and summarise the ways in which morbidity can be reduced. We retrospectively enrolled 65 patients who had malignant tumours resected, and assessed the postoperative viability of the SCM flap. All complications were recorded during a follow up period of 1-64 months.