Physiological and Functional Restoration of the Modiolus Using a Double Tendon Sling in Patients With Full-Thickness Oral Defects.

Background: Reconstruction of the oral modiolus should be considered for facial defects involving the lip and cheek. We have performed free flap reconstruction using a novel technique that includes a vertical and a horizontal sling for full-thickness defects involving the oral commissure.

Patients and methods: We used a free radial forearm flap and the palmaris longus tendon to correct lip and cheek defects in 6 patients (3 men, 3 women; age, 55-84 years). The tendon was divided into 2 portions for use as the double sling. One sling was used to connect the upper and lower stumps of the orbicularis oris in the vertical direction and the other to connect the vertical sling and masseter muscle. The outcomes assessed were esthetic appearance and functional results.

Results: The facial defects ranged in size from 3.0 cm × 4.0 cm to 7.0 cm × 6.0 cm and the mucosal defects from 1.5 cm × 4.0 cm to 6.5 cm × 5.0 cm. The length of the harvested tendon ranged from 11.5 to 13.5 cm. All flaps survived without complications. Good esthetic outcomes were achieved (excellent facial appearance, n = 1; no lip deviation or drooping, n = 5). Functionally, all patients had acceptable mouth opening and were able to eat a regular diet.

Conclusions: Good physiological and functional results can be achieved using a double tendon sling for reconstruction of the modiolus in patients with full-thickness defects involving the oral commissure.