Abstract
The use of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and musculocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of defects arising after surgery for cancer of the head and neck has been a subject of some discussion.Experience with these flaps over a ten year period from 1980 until 1989 is presented. Attention is drawn to the various types of flaps in vogue, their indications to date, benefits and drawbacks. A new reliable compound musculocutaneous flap developed by the author for use in defects of the skull base after total temporal bone excision is presented.