The parapharyngeal adipose corpus: anatomic and radiologic study.

PURPOSE: Although the morphology of the parapharyngeal adipose corpus (PAC) has been already described, the clinical interest of its volume and weight in the genesis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is still controversial. The volume of the PAC has been determined in OSAS patients but not in a normal population. The aim of our study was to investigate the morphology of the PAC by dissection and MRI in a normal population and to determine if there is a relation between the dimensions and volume of the PAC and the Body Mass Index (BMI). METHODS: Thirty hemifaces of 15 fresh cadavers have been dissected after silicone injection with dissection of the external carotid artery and its main branches, with harvesting of the PAC. The PAC has been measured and weighed. Twenty-nine MRI of healthy subjects have been examined to determine the volume of the PAC, the palate-pharynx distance, and epiglottis-pharynx distance. RESULTS: In dissection study the weight of the PAC was 18.57 g ± 2.24, the vertical dimension (height) was 4.61 cm ± 0.51, the frontal dimension (width) was 1.62 cm ± 0.24. The blood supply of the PAC constituted of branches coming from the ascending palatal and ascending pharyngeal arteries. The volume of the PAC on the right side was 1.56 cm3 ± 0.38, on the left side 1.54 cm3 ± 0.37. Its horizontal greater dimension was 1.70 cm ± 0.07. CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between the volume of the PAC and the BMI in a normal population. A surgical resection of the PAC in OSAS patients by transoral robotic-assisted surgery can be proposed with preservation of the ascending palatal and ascending pharyngeal arteries.

Vascular anatomy of the free fibula flap including the lateral head of the soleus muscle applied to maxillo-mandibular reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Initially described by Baudet in 1982, the fibula flap including the lateral head of the soleus muscle allows a one-stage reconstruction for large maxillo-mandibular defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of muscular branches destined to the soleus muscle and their distance from the origin of the fibular artery, to assess the vascular anatomy of the free fibula flap including the lateral head of the soleus muscle applied to maxillo-mandibular reconstruction. METHODS: We performed a cadaveric anatomic study on ten lower limbs, and a CT angiography anatomic study on 38 legs. The number of soleus branches originating from the fibular artery, and the distance between the origin of the fibular artery and each of the identified branches were measured. RESULTS: The number of soleus branches destined to the lateral head of the soleus muscle is variable, with in our study 1-3 branches found. Soleus branches destined to the lateral head of the soleus muscle emerged at a distance ranging between 0 and 2.9 cm (mean value = 1.82 cm) from the origin of the fibular artery in 40% of cases, between 3 and 5.9 cm (mean value = 4.27 cm) from the origin of the fibular artery in 37% of cases, and was at a distance of 6 cm or more (mean value = 6.93 cm) from the origin of the fibular artery in 20% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: An origin of the soleus vessels in close proximity to the origin of the fibular artery represents the main limitation of this flap, the length of the remaining fibular pedicle making it difficult to achieve secure anastomosis in the cervical area. The vascular distribution of the proximal part of the lateral head of the soleus muscle being segmental, it is possible to lengthen the flap pedicle ligating the most proximal soleus branches originating from the fibular artery.

Radiologic anatomy of the maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine area applied to Le Fort 1 osteotomies.

PURPOSE: In Le Fort 1 osteotomies there is a risk of injuring the maxillary artery, during the pterygomaxillary (PM) disjunction. To improve the knowledge of the relation between the maxillary artery and the PM suture, an anatomic study of the pterygopalatal fossa has been performed. METHODS: The study was based on CT scan head with vascular injection of the supraaortic trunks in 92 patients. The vertical length of the PM junction and the position of maxillary artery in relation to PM junction have been measured on a parasagittal plane passing through the lateral surface of the PM junction, and on a plane where the PM suture is the highest. RESULTS: The height of the PM junction on the plane passing through the lateral surface of the PM junction was 6.86 ± 2.67 mm, and the maxillary artery was located 18.22 ± 3.79 mm from the most inferior point of the PM junction. The maximum PM junction height was 13.96 ± 3.03 mm, and at this place the maxillary artery was located 18.85 ± 3.26 mm from the most inferior point of the PM junction. The distance between these two planes was 5.14 ± 2.02 mm. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the height of the PM junction is less than 14 mm and during the PM disjunction there is a risk of injuring the maxillary artery 18 mm above the inferior extremity of the PM junction.

Anatomic basis of Le Fort 1 impaction osteotomy: a radiological study.

PURPOSE: In Le Fort 1 osteotomy when a maxillary impaction is necessary, surgeons have to face different anatomical problems. (1) To determine the best bone resection route, they have to consider the situation of dental roots, infraorbital foramen and maxillary artery. (2) In case of Le Fort 1 osteotomy combined with a mandibular sagittal split osteotomy, the palate has to be replaced in horizontal position although there is no anatomical landmark. (3) In case of Gummy smiles, it can be due to either long face or short upper lip. The main objective was to identify safe bony landmarks to perform a Le Fort I osteotomy and to find a reliable way for repositioning the palate horizontally; the secondary objective was to determine the upper lip normal length. METHODS: The study was based on 178 facial CT examinations. The following parameters have been used: the vertical length of the upper lip, the vertical heights of the anterior nasal spine, the canine and molar roots, the inferior limit of the pterygomaxillary fossa and the vertical height of the infraorbital foramen on both sides. RESULTS: The vertical length from the subnasal point to the upper vermilion was 15.06 ± 3.09 mm, and to the junction of the upper and lower lips was 23.94 ± 3.79 mm. The vertical length from the anterior nasal spine to the incisor alveolar border was 19.70 ± 3.17 mm. The height of the canine root was 17.11 ± 2.60 mm. The height of the highest lateral root of first or second maxillary molars was 11.71 ± 1.83 mm. The vertical length from the inferior limit of the pterygomaxillary fossa (pti point) to the alveolar border of the pterygomaxillary suture was 19.86 ± 3.45 mm. The height from the center of the infraorbital foramen to the alveolar border of the maxilla on a vertical line was not statistically different on right and left sides. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, in impaction Le Fort 1 osteotomy, the bone resection must pass 20 mm above the alveolar border in canine area, and 15 mm above the alveolar border in molar area. The resection has to end less than 20 mm above the inferior border of the pterygomaxillary suture. The vertical height of the infraorbital foramen is a consistent landmark for repositioning of the palate in a horizontal plane.

The origin of the dorsal scapular artery: anatomic variations and surgical applications.

The dorsal scapular artery (DSA) can be either a direct branch of the subclavian artery (SCA), or a branch of the transverse cervical artery (TCA). In mandibular reconstruction, when a free flap is contraindicated a pedicled scapular flap has been described vascularized by the DSA. During the dissection of this flap, there is a risk of lesion of the TCA, which could be fatal to the flap if the DCA is a branch of the TCA. To evaluate the frequency of this anatomic situation, a dissection and radiologic study has been performed. 50 anatomic dissections on fresh cadavers and 93 arteriographies from 47 patients have been studied, to determine what was the DSA origin. In our dissections we found the origin of the DSA was a type I origin in 19 cases (38 %), a type II in 19 cases (38 %) and a type III in 12 cases (24 %). In our radiologic study, the DSA and the TCA had a common origin from the SCA (Type I) in 57/93 cases (61.3 %), the DSA was a direct branch of the SCA and the TCA (type II) in 22/93 cases (23.7 %), the DSA and the TCA had a common origin from the TCT (type III) in 14/93 cases (15 %). The DSA is coming from the TCA in 1/5 cases. A careful dissection of this flap in the subclavian area is necessary in all cases, a preoperative arteriography could be proposed to limit the risk of pedicle injury.

Surface anatomy of the parotid duct and its clinical relevance.

The trajectory of the parotid duct (PD) makes it vulnerable to injuries during facial trauma and facial rejuvenation procedures. The PD is usually represented as a straight line, although its description in the literature varies. Our objective was to study the trajectory of the PD and to define reliable cutaneous landmarks. We dissected 35 human cadaver half-heads. We defined three points: point I where the PD crossed a line (line 2) between point T (the intertragal incisura) and point C (the corner of the mouth), point S for the top of the PD, and point B where the PD penetrated the buccinator muscle. We measured the distance (D) between points T and C, the distance (d1) between points T and I, and the distance (d2) between points T and B. We also determined the height (h) of the orthogonal line between point S and line 2. We noted that for all of the half-heads that we examined, the PD followed a curved trajectory between points I and B above line 2. Point I was located 1/3 of the way along distance D. Point B was tangential to line 2, and was located 2/3 of the way along distance D. The average height measurement (h) was 1.4 cm. We demonstrated that the PD follows a curved trajectory from the 1/3 mark to the 2/3 mark along distance D, the top of this curve being 1.5 cm above the line TC.

Evaluation of the lower face enlargement following mandibular osteotomy: Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) vs supra basilar sagittal Split Osteotomy (SBSSO).

INTRODUCTION: The current most common technique for mandibular split is the sagittal split osteotomy described by Obwegeser and modified by Dalpont and Epker. Several studies have shown a lower face enlargement while employing these techniques. The supra-basilar sagittal split osteotomy described in 2017 seems to be an interesting alternative as mandibular angles remain in continuity with the internal valve. The aim of this study was to evaluate lower face enlargement by comparing two techniques: sagittal split osteotomy and supra-basilar sagittal split. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalograms were analyzed before and after surgery. Bigonial distances (BGD) were measured in frontal cephalograms, ramus length and distances between upper and lower incisors on lateral cephalogram. Control of those measures was also performed by measuring the Nasion-Anterior Clinoid distance and intercanthal distance to assess the comparability and error rate. Finally, a comparison of cephalograms before and after surgery to assess bigonial enlargement, ramus elongation and advancement was performed. RESULTS: Out of the 69 patients, 18 had a Bilateral Sagittal Split (BSSO) and 52 had a Supra-Basilar Sagittal Split (SBSSO). The error rate and patients' characteristics were the same in the two groups. A statistically significant widening of the bigonial distance with the BSSO in comparison with the SBSSO was found (BGD difference: 5.82 mm (BSSO) vs - 1.47 mm (SBSSO), p < 0,001). A greater ramus elongation with the SBSSO was found (ramus elongation: 1.12 mm (BSSO) vs 5.1 mm (SBSSO)). This study has shown that the supra-basilar sagittal split is an interesting way to avoid the widening of the mandibular angles.

Embryological approach to philtral hair sparsity in bilateral cleft lip deformities.

OBJECTIVE: In bilateral cleft lip cases, surgeons have long known that the medial nasal prominence or prolabium is devoid of muscle. Despite cheiloplasty restoring orbicular muscle continuity, moustache hair growth is less developed on the philtral skin. We sought to understand this hair disparity. BASIC PROCEDURES: The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search using reference materials on the physiological and pathological development of the face in utero and the PubMed database using the keywords 'embryology', 'bilateral cleft lip' and 'hair'. MAIN RESULTS: In bilateral cleft lip, the normal fusion between the maxillary and intermaxillary process does not occur, and the migration of cranial neural crest cells (CNCC) is disturbed. CNCCs from different locations and with different myoblastic differentiation potential are arrested on each side of the cleft. Therefore, a reduced concentration of myoblasts and myocytes as well as hormone receptors in the medial process could hinders the normal physiological development of the different layers of the philtral skin and especially the skin appendages. CONCLUSION: Philtral hair sparsity in patients with bilateral cleft lip can be explain by a defect in the migration of CNCCs to the prolabium, whose cells are not able to develop hair follicles, due to a disruption of the exchange of Wnt/ß-catenin, EDA, and or Noggin signals and due to the absence of androgen receptor.

Does the Latissimus dorsi insert on the iliac crest in man? Anatomic and ontogenic study.

OBJECTIVE: The Latissimus dorsi muscle is usually considered as inserted on the iliac crest, but it is separated from it by the thoracolumbar fascia. In our experience based on the harvesting of pedicled Latissimus dorsi flaps to cover cervicofacial loss of substances, we have found that in some cases, the muscular fibers of the anterior border of the muscle are directly inserted on the iliac crest. In these cases, the harvesting of the flap could be more distal. METHODS: To determine whether this direct muscular insertion is frequent or not, we performed dissections on 30 fresh cadavers of the lower insertion of the Latissimus dorsi muscle, and 6 dissections of human fetuses to study the ontogeny of these insertions. RESULTS: The Latissimus dorsi muscle presented direct muscular insertions on the iliac crest in 13.33% of cases. The fetal dissections showed that before 30 weeks of development, the anterior part of the muscle was directly inserted on the iliac crest, and after it was separated from it by the thoracolumbar fascia. Although the harvesting of the Latissimus dorsi in continuity with the thoracolumbar fascia has been described in pedicled flaps, it is usually considered that it is impossible to harvest Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps in contact with the iliac crest, because there are no perforating vessels from the thoracolumbar fascia to the skin. According to our results, in some cases, it could be possible to harvest a pedicled musculo-cutaneous LD flap more distal that it is usually described.

Masseter muscle termination over the deep surface of the temporal fascia: look out the wrong path.

PURPOSE: The masticatory muscles have a common embryological origin. Despite numerous anatomical studies their close anatomical relationships are not always accurately described in anatomical treatises. An expansion of the masseter muscle inserted into the deep surface of the superficial temporal aponeurosis has been described. Despite the classical description of two transition bundles (Yoshikawa et al. in Kaibogaku Zasshi 37:206-217, 1962), the literature concerning these fibres has remained difficult to interpret. Given the clinical applications of the lengthening of the temporal muscle in myoplasty, it is important that we have accurate anatomical knowledge of it. METHODS: We dissected 14 embalmed or untreated anatomical cadaver heads with a sex ratio of 1 in order to analyse the aforementioned fibres and their variations. A radiologic study allowed us to understand the entanglement of the fibres. 10 craniofacial MRI were processed by 3D MPR reconstruction. RESULTS: The fibres were identified as an expansion of the posterior head of the masseter muscle and distinct from the two classically described transition bundles. These were present in all subjects of both sexes. We can systematically describe their origin, trajectory and termination. CONCLUSION: Fibres belonging to masseter muscle pass up to the zygomatic arch and terminate on the deep surface of the temporal fascia. Awareness of the nature and trajectory of these muscular fibres allows us to avoid taking "wrong path" when approaching the temporal muscle tendon on the coronoid process via the temporal fossa.

Twelve-year experience in mandibular reconstruction using osteo-muscular dorsal scapular pedicled flaps.

Primary mandibular reconstruction after tumor removal or osteoradionecrosis treatment is a standard procedure. The most common reconstruction techniques are fibula, scapula, and iliac crest free flaps. Nevertheless, all patients are not eligible for microsurgery. In this study, we assess 12 years of mandibular reconstruction using an osteo-muscular dorsal scapular pedicled flap (OMDS). We included 40 patients operated on using an OMDS flap. We collected parameters such as length of hospital stay, recurrence risk, and need for secondary flap for oral cutaneous fistula (OCF) treatment. Flap bone volume was assessed by segmenting the scapula on postoperative CT-scans using dedicated software. Forty patients were included. Indications for OMDS flaps were severe cardiovascular history (27%), preoperative radiotherapy with a radiation neck and potentially unreliable blood vessel sutures (20%), previous fibula free flap failure (15%), and patient refusing free tissue transfer (8%). Aside from these medical indications, OMDS flaps were performed in 30% of cases due to organizational concerns. The mean flap length was 73±16 mm, with a maximum of 109 mm. Flap bone volume was stable over time, with negligible resorption (p = 0.761). Secondary pedicled flaps were used to treat OCF in 5 patients (12%). Secondary esthetic procedures were performed in 9 patients (22%). None of the 40 flaps were removed. None of the patients had long-term scarring complications in donor sites. OMDS flaps merit consideration for mandibular reconstruction when free tissue transfer is contraindicated or impossible due to organizational issues.

Relations of the facial nerve with the retromandibular vein: anatomic study of 132 parotid glands.

BACKGROUND: The retromandibular vein (rmv) is an important anatomical element, in radiology to localise a tumor in the parotid gland in relation to the facial nerve, and in surgery as a landmark to dissect the facial nerve and its branches. The aim of this study was to give a precise description of the anatomic variations of the relations of the facial nerve with the rmv. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two parotid glands have been dissected by pre-auricular route. The rmv, the facial nerve trunk and its branches have been dissected and described. The relations of the facial nerve with the rmv have been noted in each case. RESULTS: The rmv was medial to the nerve in 65.2% and lateral in 13% to the nerve. In 6.8% the nerve was placed between a superficial and a deep venous plane. DISCUSSION: More variations were present in our description than in others. The situation of the rvm alone or associated with other anatomical elements is not a reliable landmark of the situation of a tumour either in the superficial part or in the deep part of the parotid gland in relation to the facial nerve. Some authors considered that the predictive value of these anatomical landmarks was near 65%.

Extended lateral pharyngotomy for selected squamous cell carcinomas of the lateral tongue base.

OBJECTIVES: In a retrospective review of an inception cohort of 26 patients with an isolated, previously untreated, moderately to well-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral tongue base, consecutively managed with an extended lateral pharyngotomy approach at a single tertiary referral care center, the authors review the key surgical points, highlight the potential technical pitfalls, and document the complications and long-term functional and oncological outcomes in terms of survival and local control. METHODS: The adjunctive measures included induction chemotherapy, ipsilateral neck dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy, used in 96.1%, 96.1%, and 38.5% of patients, respectively. All patients but 2 were followed for at least 5 years or until death (maximum, 158 months). RESULTS: The significant postoperative complications included pharyngocutaneous fistula in 3 patients (11.5%) and hemorrhage requiring reoperation, partial flap necrosis, and pneumonia from aspiration in 1 patient (3.8%) each. In univariate analysis, no significant statistical relationship was noted between the significant postoperative complications noted and the variables under analysis. Overall, successful oral alimentation was achieved in 100% of patients by the first postoperative month without gastrostomy, tracheotomy, or completion total laryngectomy. There were no intraoperative or perioperative deaths. The main causes of death were metachronous second primary tumor, intercurrent disease, and distant metastasis, resulting in 84.6%, 64%, and 46.9% 1-, 3-, and 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival estimates, respectively. Two patients (7.6%) had local recurrence, resulting in 100%, 86.7%, and 86.7% 1-, 3-, and 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial local control estimates, respectively. As a function of T stage, the 3- and 5-year actuarial local control estimates were 100%, 87.5%, and 90.9% in patients with tumors classified as T1, T2, and T3-T4a, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Such results suggest that extended lateral pharyngotomy should be integrated among the various conservative treatment options available to patients with selected carcinomas of the lateral tongue base.

Vascular and Nerve Relations of the Marginal Mandibular Nerve of the Face: Anatomy and Clinical Relevance.

BACKGROUND: The marginal mandibular nerve of the facial nerve is frequently injured during corrective and cosmetic surgery. Recent or emerging techniques such as the injection of filler materials, botulinum toxin, allotransplantation of composite tissues of the face, placement of chin implants, and submental cryolipolysis require in-depth knowledge of this nerve. The studies to date are not in agreement regarding the number of branches of the marginal mandibular nerve and its relationship with the vasculature and other nerves. METHODS: This study involved 62 half-heads from cadavers. RESULTS: In 22.6 percent of the cases, the marginal mandibular nerve of the facial nerve was a single branched entity and lateral to the pedicle, with respect to the facial artery and the facial vein. In 16 cases (29 percent), the marginal mandibular nerve had two branches. In 12.9 percent of the cases, the marginal mandibular nerve gave rise to three branches. In 17 cases (35.48 percent), the marginal mandibular nerve gave rise to between four and more than 10 branches, thereby forming a plexus at its end. Analysis of this collection of cases revealed that the marginal mandibular nerve was more consistently lateral to the facial vein than to the facial artery. The marginal mandibular nerve exhibited connections with other branches of the facial nerve and branches of the trigeminal nerve. CONCLUSIONS: The facial vein had a more consistent relationship with the marginal mandibular nerve than the facial artery. This study provides the anatomical bases of substitution, proprioception, and clinical variations in injuries of the marginal mandibular nerve and in their prognosis.

Strategies Developed to Induce, Direct, and Potentiate Bone Healing.

Bone exhibits a great ability for endogenous self-healing. Nevertheless, impaired bone regeneration and healing is on the rise due to population aging, increasing incidence of bone trauma and the clinical need for the development of alternative options to autologous bone grafts. Current strategies, including several biomolecules, cellular therapies, biomaterials, and different permutations of these, are now developed to facilitate the vascularization and the engraftment of the constructs, to recreate ultimately a bone tissue with the same properties and characteristics of the native bone. In this review, we browse the existing strategies that are currently developed, using biomolecules, cells and biomaterials, to induce, direct and potentiate bone healing after injury and further discuss the biological processes associated with this repair.

Osteomyelitis of the Mandible after Dental Implants in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Dental implants are now broadly used to replace missing teeth, and the presence of infectious complications is rising. Dental implant therapy as a local risk factor for the onset of osteomyelitis and its management have not been widely explored. Here, we report an unusual case of mandibular suppurative osteomyelitis caused by Streptococcus intermedius in a healthy and immunocompetent patient secondary to mandibular implants. We describe how surgery combined with systemic application of antibiotics allowed conservation of the dental implants in the mandibular bone, discuss the probable source of contamination, and present the follow-up of the osteomyelitis.

Surgical landmarks of the nasopharyngeal internal carotid using the maxillary swing approach: A cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Surgery of the paranasopharyngeal space is very hazardous due to the position of the internal carotid artery, which is surrounded by soft tissue with few anatomical landmarks. STUDY DESIGN: Fresh cadaveric study. METHODS: In this study, we used the maxillary swing procedure to have a broad view of the internal carotid artery using an anterior approach. We sought to establish surgical landmarks, make measurements, and compare them to other imagery and cadaveric studies in the literature. RESULTS: We performed the maxillary swing procedure in 10 subjects (six female and four male, mean deceased age 81 years). The internal carotid artery was found to be in the same sagittal plane as the lateral pterygoid plate, the foramen ovale, and the eustachian tube isthmus. It was always located behind the stylopharyngeal fascia and immediately lateral to the longus capitis muscle. The artery was measured on average 10.7 mm from the pharyngeal recess, 7.3 mm from the eustachian tube isthmus, and 22.8 mm from the torus tubarius. CONCLUSIONS: The eustachian tube isthmus, the longus capitis muscle, and the stylopharyngeal fascia are the main surgical landmarks of the internal carotid artery. The artery can also be found in an oblique sagittal plane including the eustachian tube isthmus, the foramen ovale, and the lateral pterygoid plate. The pharyngeal recess remains a very dangerous area, only millimeters away from the carotid artery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 126:1562-1566, 2016.

Blood supply to the human sternocleidomastoid muscle and its clinical implications for mandible reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The use of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flap for reconstructive surgery of the mandible seems to be a practicable although underestimated option. STUDY DESIGN: This study was conducted on 15 cadavers that had been neoprene-latex injected in the middle and inferior pedicles. METHODS: Lengths of the SCM were equally divided into upper, middle, and lower thirds. Each third was then subdivided into numbered quadrants. This procedure defined six levels in the SCM, each corresponding to two quadrants: one medial and the other lateral. For each third of the SCM, the origin of the main pedicles was recorded. The quadrants where neoprene-latex was detected were reported in the dissection book. RESULTS: The upper third of the SCM muscle was constantly supplied by branches of the occipital artery. The middle third of the SCM muscle received its blood supply from a branch of the superior thyroid artery (right SCM/left SCM: 53%/53%), the external carotid artery (27%/20%), or branches of both (20%/27%). The lower third of the muscle was supplied by a branch arising from the suprascapular artery (73%/73%), the transverse cervical artery (7%/13%), the thyrocervical trunk (13%/13%), or the superficial cervical artery (7%/0%). The neoprene-latex injected into the subclavian artery reached the four lower levels in all SCMs studied (the middle third of the SCM). In 13% of the SCMs, this injection also reached level II (the upper third of the SCM). With a double injection (inferior and middle pedicles), levels I and II were reached in 100% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that, used alone, the lower pedicle does not have the ability to ensure the full vascularization of the SCM muscle. A composite flap might be safely raised only if the integrity of both inferior and middle pedicles is respected.