OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of insular pectoralis major myocutaneous flap on repair of jaw and neck tissue defect as a result of high-voltage electric burn.

METHODSEighteen patients with large area tissue defect in jaw and neck caused by high-voltage electric burn hospitalized from August 2001 to December 2007 were repaired with insular pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The flaps (from 12 cm x 10 cm to 16 cm x 13 cm) was transplanted in 8 patients after early wound debridement, and in 10 patients on infected wounds.

RESULTSAll flaps survived wells except in 4 patients necrotic area (length 2-5 cm, width 1-2 cm) appeared in the distal wound edge, localized dehiscence of wound edge in 2 cases, which were healed after dressing change or secondary suturing. Patients were followed up from 6 months to 3 years, and the appearance and function were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSPectoralis major muscle island myocutaneous flap has the advantage of large tissue mass, with thin and flat muscle belly, and rich blood supply, which is suitable for repair of large deep tissue defect in jaw and neck.