The Infrahyoid Myocutaneous Flap an Unheeded Dimension in Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

The infrahyoid flap (IHF) is a myocutaneous pedicled flap, which is mostly supplied by the superior thyroid vessels through the infrahyoid muscle perforators. The flap is thin as well as pliable which provides a skin island that is approximately 7 by 4 cm from the central part of the anterior neck. The flap can be transferred on its pedicle of the superior thyroid artery and vein to reconstruct medium-sized head and neck defects created after cancer excision. One of the best substitutes considered for the reconstruction of moderate defects is the infrahyoid myocutaneous flap. It can be carried out for the defects in the oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx carcinomas. The flap can be either unilateral or bilateral superior thyroid pedicle flaps but the main limitations are restricted arc of rotation and small flap volume. The IHF is contraindicated in cases with prior irradiation as well as cases of neck metastasis. The flap is reliable, easy to harvest during neck dissection, oncologically it is safe, and it carries a negligible donor site morbidity. The data from various databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were included. The inclusion criteria were that only the review papers were included and that too published in the English language. This review paper highlights how the IHF can represent an excellent reconstructive solution to head and neck surgery as a tongue flap.