Shape-modified method using the radial forearm perforator flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the scalp

The authors present their clinical experience in reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the scalp in 17 patients, using free radial forearm perforator flaps. These defects, as a rule, have a circular or elliptical shape. In order to fit this shape of the defect, they divided the radial forearm perforator flap into two or three components in each case. The donor site, in most cases, was closed primarily by cosmetic sutures. As a shape-modified method using the radial forearm perforator flap, the main point is that the shape of the flap should be an ellipse. The width of the flap should be no more than 5 cm in its proximal part, 4 cm in its middle part, and 3 cm in its distal part. All patients had complete survival of the transplanted radial forearm perforator flap with good aesthetic results.