Aesthetic microvascular periorbital subunit reconstruction: Beyond primary repair

BACKGROUND: Reconstructing periorbital defects is challenging because of the simultaneous need for ocular support, corneal protection, and restoration of aesthetic subtleties. In patients with extensive periorbital tissue loss, microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable reconstructive option for composite defects. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients with periorbital craniofacial defects and identified those treated with microvascular reconstruction at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2001 to 2010. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent free flap reconstruction for periorbital defects secondary to trauma (n = 12), oncologic resection (n = 11), and congenital deformity (n = 1). The majority were men (n = 13), and the average age of the patients was 47 years (range, 19 to 80 years). Microvascular reconstructions included fibula (n = 9), anterolateral thigh (n = 6), ulnar forearm (n = 7), and groin flaps (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 100 percent, with an average follow-up of 26.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Microvascular reconstruction of the periorbit can be accomplished successfully through careful analysis of tissue loss, eye or ocular prosthetic support, donor-site morbidity, and patient preference. Despite the multiple flap options that fulfill periorbital reconstructive needs, the authors find that the fibula, anterolateral thigh, ulnar forearm, and groin flaps can be used reliably to successfully reconstruct these defects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.