Facial mimetic, cosmetic, and functional standardized assessment of the facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap
Related Research units
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To objectively assess donor site morbidity after harvesting the facial artery musculomucosal flap. Use of the FAMM-flap in oral cavity reconstruction remains sporadic. This case series describes our newly developed standardized assessment of this flap in a floor of mouth (FOM) reconstructive setting.
METHODS: Standardized postoperative assessment of the FAMM flap for donor site wound complications, functional, facial mimetic and oncologic outcomes.
RESULTS: There were no wound complications. Oral competence remained intact, tongue mobility was good to excellent, average word articulation score was 98%, and mimetic function excellent in all patients. Three patients experienced ipsilateral upper lip anesthesia, and five patients were noted to have slight dysfunction of the orbicularis oris resulting in a loss of lip height at rest.
CONCLUSION: The FAMM flap is a reliable option for reconstruction of ablative defects of the FOM, and should be considered a workhorse flap for oral cavity defects. Unlike the submental island flap, a complete level I dissection may be concurrently performed without compromising the vascular supply to the FAMM flap.
Bibliographical data
Original language | English |
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ISSN | 0385-8146 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 04.2017 |
PubMed | 27452415 |
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