The tongue is paramount to natural speech and swallowing, and good tongue function is important in the overall quality of life. Autologous free-flap reconstruction of the tongue after glossectomy allows for adequate speech, swallow, and quality-of-life outcomes in a majority of patients. Herein, the authors review autologous free-flap reconstruction of the tongue with a focus on different flap options, speech and swallow outcomes, quality-of-life outcomes, and factors that affect how patients perform after tongue reconstruction.

Orbital and anterior skull base defects present a significant challenge for reconstruction due to the complexity of the anatomy and the need for separation of intracranial and extracranial contents in this area. While endoscopic techniques have revolutionized the treatment of many anterior skull base defects, microvascular free tissue transfer is a viable option for large volume defects not suitable for traditional open approaches or for cases where endoscopic techniques have failed. The various free tissue transfer techniques for anterior skull base and orbit, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, are reviewed.

There exists no consensus “gold standard” treatment for condylar fractures, and there is continued debate on whether condylar fractures should undergo surgical or conservative management. Herein, we review various techniques of conservative, closed, and open surgical treatments of condylar fractures. Also, we review complications associated with each treatment modality and compare and contrast closed and open management. Standardization of fracture classification schemes and treatment modalities is needed to elucidate the best course of action for each patient and each fracture.

Scarring is a natural process of healing after damage to the skin that extends to the reticular dermis. While some scars may be socially acceptable, even admirable, scars of the face can be viewed as disfiguring or ugly. Minimizing the appearance of facial scars and optimizing their cosmetic outcome ideally begin before surgery or, in the cause of trauma, at the initial reconstruction. Even when there has been poor initial healing, a scar's appearance can be improved. Herein, we review conservative, medical, and surgical therapies to improve the appearance of facial scars.

IMPORTANCE Synkinesis is the involuntary movement of 1 area of the face accompanying volitional movement of another; it is commonly encountered in patients affected by facial palsy. Current treatments for synkinesis include biofeedback for muscular retraining and chemodenervation via the injection of botulinum toxin. Chemodenervation is effective in reducing unwanted muscle movement, but it requires a commitment to long-term maintenance injections and may lose effectiveness over time. A permanent solution for synkinesis remains elusive. OBJECTIVE To evaluate masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer with selective neurectomy in rehabilitation of the synkinetic smile. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this case series, 7 patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital underwent masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer with selective neurectomy for synkinesis between September 14, 2015, and April 19, 2018. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed and demographic characteristics, facial palsy causes, other interventions used, and changes in eFACE scores were identified. INTERVENTION Masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Changes in eFACE scores (calculated via numeric scoring of many sections of the face, including flaccidity, normal tone, and hypertonicity; higher scores indicate better function and lower scores indicate poorer function) and House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System scores (range, 1-6; a score of 1 indicates normal facial function on the affected side, and a score of 6 indicates absence of any facial function [complete flaccid palsy] on the affected side).RESULTS Among the 7 patients in the study (6 women and 1 man; median age, 49 years [range, 41-63 years]), there were no postoperative complications; patients were followed up for a mean of 12.8 months after surgery (range, 11.0-24.5 months). Patients experienced a significant improvement in mean (SD) eFACE scores in multiple domains, including smile (preoperative, 65.00 [8.

Tumors of the maxilla and midface are some of the most difficult to manage, not only in terms of treatment but also in terms of achieving acceptable orofacial reconstruction. Today, free flaps dominate the reconstructive field. Many patients can achieve successful reconstruction after free flap transfer with a return of intelligible speech, a regular diet, and acceptable cosmesis. Herein, the authors review free flap reconstruction of the maxilla, with a focus on the classifications of defects, when obturators are appropriate, types and sources of free flaps, and complications for which to beware.

Reconstruction of scalp defects can be accomplished by many methods, but larger defects, especially those in which the periosteum is absent or calvarial defects are present, require free tissue transfer. Various methods of scalp reconstruction, as guided by the defect components and size, are presented herein, with a focus on free tissue transfer. Different free flaps for scalp reconstructed are described with a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. Overall, free tissue transfer for scalp defects provides a reliable, durable, and cosmetically adequate reconstructive option.

Microvascular free tissue transfer is an indispensable reconstructive option in head and neck reconstruction. Flap failure is relatively rare, but it is nonetheless very morbid and psychologically devastating to patients when it does occur. Further, complications after free tissue transfer to the head and neck remain common. There are numerous ongoing debates about various facets of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the head and neck, all ultimately searching for the optimal treatment algorithm to further improve flap success, minimize complications, and maximize patient outcomes. Herein, the authors review current literature surrounding optimal preoperative nutritional support, intraoperative vasopressor use, perioperative fluid management, use of antithrombotic agents, antibiotic use, and other facets of the care of head and neck free flap patients to provide a guide to surgeons.