An anatomic study of the temporoparietal fascial flap.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the neurovascular relationships in the temporoparietal fascial flap and to access its possible use as a sensate free of a pedicled flap.

DESIGN

Anatomic dissections (gross) and examinations (histologic) were performed on 10 fresh cadaver heads.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care facility, Boston, Mass.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To determine the relationship of the sensory innervation (the auriculotemporal nerve) to the vascular supply (the superficial temporal artery) of the temporoparietal fascial flap, in addition to determining safe incisions and the level of flap elevation that will preserve the sensory supply to the flap.

RESULTS

There is a consistent relationship of the auriculotemporal nerve to the superficial temporal artery allowing for auriculotemporal nerve preservation with standard flap elevation techniques and easy nerve identification in this cadaveric study.

CONCLUSION

A clear understanding of the anatomic pattern allows for the potential creation of a sensate fascial flap or vascularized nerve graft that would add a potential additional dimension to this fascial flap.