The Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction An Alternative Flap for Soft Tissue Defects

The reconstructive ladder for large head and neck defects includes a number of muscle free flaps. One ideal flap that continues to be underutilized is the vastus lateralis muscle free flap. Between April and October 2008, 5 patients underwent head and neck tumor extirpation with reconstruction utilizing a vastus lateralis muscle free flap. All flaps survived with no recipient or donor site complications. The procedure did result in a small area of numbness on the donor thigh in all patients. The vastus lateralis muscle flap is an underutilized alternative for reconstruction of deep soft tissue defects of the head and neck. Its advantages include its consistent anatomy and large caliber pedicle, adequate volume, a location enabling a 2-team approach and low donor site morbidity. This versatile flap should be included as an option in complex soft tissue reconstructions of the head and neck.