ABSTRACT
The trapezius musculocutaneous flap is ideally suited for correction of defects in the upper posterior thorax, head, and neck. Its use has been demonstrated for a variety of acquired disorders and is well tolerated with excellent long-term outcome. Jaques first descri bed clinical use of the trapezius flap for coverage of an exposed carotid artery in 1971 (1). The flap was based superiorly on the transverse cervical artery and mobilized in a pedicled fashion into the neck. Since then, its use for acquired defects in the head and neck has expanded and it is now also used for mandibular and oropharyngeal reconstruction, cervicofacial reconstruction, facial paralysis procedures, and for coverage of the occipital scalp.
