Reconstruction of the prevertebral space with a submental flap: a novel application

Abstract

The submental island flap is an axial flap based on the submental branches of the facial artery. It is mostly used to recover oral and facial defects. In this report, a case is presented where it is used to reconstruct the prevertebral space during a spine surgery. Its purpose is to act as an interposition tissue between the pharyngeal suture line and the hardware to minimize the risk of wound dehiscence.

Level of evidence: V.

Keywords: Anterior cervical spine reconstruction; Chordoma; Prevertepral space reconstruction; Regional flaps; Submental island flap.