Case ReportCoverage of complex defects of the shoulder girdle and posterior neck triangle following tumor resection

- The literature does not offer any algorithm of flap selection to cover complex defects of the shoulder girdle and posterior neck triangle following tumor resection.
- We describe our algorithm of flap selection in these patients with case examples.
- We also demonstrate the advantages of using muscle rather than myocutaneous flaps.
- Flap selection with an algorithm for shoulder/neck defects guides management.

IntroductionNumerous pedicle and free flaps have been used to cover complex defects of the shoulder girdle and posterior neck triangle following tumor resection. We describe our choice of flap selection in these patients with case examples.Presentation of casesThree cases examples demonstrate our choice of flap selection. In the first case, an anterior shoulder girdle defect is covered by an anteriorly transposed latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The second case demonstrates the coverage of a posterior shoulder girdle defect by a posteriorly transposed latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Finally, the third case demonstrates the coverage of a posterior triangle neck defect using a superiorly transposed pectoralis major muscle flap. All reconstructions utilize muscle flaps (covered by split-thickness skin grafts) and not myocutaneous flaps.DiscussionWe demonstrate that these two pedicle muscle flaps are adequate for coverage of large complex defects of the shoulder girdle and posterior neck triangle. We also demonstrate the advantages of using muscle rather than myocutaneous flaps.ConclusionPedicle latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscle flaps are simpler and preferred over free flaps for coverage of complex defects of the shoulder girdle and posterior neck triangle. The use of muscle rather than myocutaneous flaps will reduce the size of the original defect, make flap design easier and reduce donor site morbidity.