Versatility of Temporalis Myofascial Flap in Maxillofacial Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study.

Aim: To evince the versatility of temporalis myofascial flap by assessing its success in patients of primary and secondary maxillofacial defects retrospectively.

Methodology: A retrospective study was designed to evaluate the patients of maxillofacial abnormalities repaired using temporalis myofascial flaps during the period of 2008 and 2017. Data regarding demographics, diagnosis of the disease made, site of disease involved, treatment done, outcome and short-term complication were extracted from the past patient records. At follow-up, patients were assessed for any long-term complication, adequate mouth opening and the ability to have unrestricted liquid or soft diet. The temporalis myofascial flap was examined for suture dehiscence, marginal necrosis and infection or pus in addition to its colour.

Results: There were a total of 30 patients with equal gender distribution. There were eight patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma; five had facial palsy; three cases were of mucormycosis; two cases were of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and post-surgical maxillary defects each and one case each of malignant melanoma, ameloblastic carcinoma, kerato-odontogenic tumour, clear cell carcinoma, ossifying fibroma, fibrosarcoma and cemento-ossifying fibroma. There were only few cases which exhibited any complication post-surgery. No significant association was found between complications observed at follow-up and age or gender or site of disease or design of flap used.

Conclusion: TMF could be used in a variety of maxillofacial reconstructive surgeries with minimal complications. The ease, simplicity and no technical sensitivity requirement for this flap makes it a preferable choice for the surgeons.