Palatal Mucoperiosteal Island Flap

EDITORIAL COMMENT

This procedure appears to provide adequate coverage in the adult after tumor resection or trauma. The editors believe it should not be used in the growing child because of possibly severe secondary effects on the dentition and palatal growth.

The palatal mucoperiosteal island flap serves to resurface defects of the soft palate, retromolar trigone, buccal region, tonsillar fossa, and posterior third of the floor of the mouth. Palatal flaps have been used for some time in palate-lengthening procedures, in closure of oroantral fistulas, and in resurfacing intraoral defects (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The success of this flap depends on the external carotid system and an intact palate.

INDICATIONS

Soft Palate Reconstruction

This flap provides adequate local tissue to reconstruct the soft palate after tumor ablation. The periosteal surface that faces cephalically does not require coverage (see Fig. 187.2). Alternatively, two separate mucoperiosteal island flaps can be used and tailored to fit the defect (see Fig. 187.3).

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