Trapezius Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction

The trapezius flap is an underutilized regional flap for head and neck reconstruction. While the dominant pedicle for the flap is variable and confusing, it has a wide arch of rotation allowing for reconstruction of occipital scalp, lateral face, periauricular defects, as well as coverage of major vessels of the neck and may be utilized for reconstruction of lateral intraoral defects. Expedited flap harvest can be performed with familiarity with back anatomy, and upper and lower trapezius flaps can be harvested based on the clinical scenario. The trapezius flap should be in the armamentarium of the head and neck reconstructive surgeon given its versatility and reliability.