Application of Free Flaps in Reconstruction of Head and Neck Soft Tissue Defects With Bone Exposure.

[BACKGROUND] Reconstruction of head and neck soft tissue defects with bone exposure is both challenging and technically demanding for plastic surgeon. Objectives in head and neck soft tissue defects with bone exposure reconstruction are consistent restoration of functionality while also improving appearance. This study retrospectively analyzed the results of head and neck reconstructions using various types of free flaps over the past 4 years.

[METHODS] A retrospective analysis was conducted from June 2019 to June 2023 on 12 patients treated at our hospital for head and neck soft tissue defects with bone exposure due to various causes. These included 4 cases of trauma from car accidents, 1 burn case, and 7 postoperative malignant tumor removals. The defect sizes ranged from 4 × 6 to 15 × 45 cm. Different free flaps were used for repair based on the defect, including 6 anterolateral thigh flaps, 3 forearm flaps, 2 latissimus dorsi flaps, and 1 dorsalis pedis flap. Flaps were designed and harvested to match the defect size and transplanted via anastomosed vessels.

[RESULTS] All 12 flaps survived successfully. One patient required flap thinning surgery postoperatively. All patients were followed up for over 3 months, showing good color and texture of the transplanted flaps, satisfactory healing, and significant aesthetic improvement. Donor sites showed significant scarring without functional impairment.

[CONCLUSION] Free flap repair for head and neck soft tissue defects with bone exposure is feasible and yields good results.