The trapezius perforator flap: Versatility for locoregional reconstruction

Abstract

Only a few surgical choices are available for cervical and thoracic spine coverage. The trapezius perforator flap is relatively unknown and only a few authors have published on this subject. In this article, we report on four clinical cases where a trapezius perforator flap was used either as a propeller flap, as a tunnelized island flap, or as a supercharged flap for cervical spine, thoracic spine and anterior cervical defects. Harvesting this flap is quite simple and enables high quality reconstruction with low donor-site morbidity in complex situations.

Keywords: Cervical defect; Dorsal defect; Lambeau en hélice; Lambeau perforant; Muscle trapèze; Perforator flap; Perte de substance; Propeller flap; Trapezius muscle.