The sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap: a reappraisal.

The sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap was described 40 years ago. However, its reliability has been a matter of discussion, mainly because of its random blood supply and subsequent tendency to necrosis. This paper describes the use of the sternocleidomastoid island myocutaneous flap, superiorly based, in 10 patients with good results. In these patients, the superior thyroid artery was sacrificed and the skin paddle was incised directly over the muscle, as described by Ariyan. We believe this approach assures the usefulness of the flap and justifies its expanded utilization.