The radial forearm free flap: a review of microsurgical options

The radial forearm free flap, highly regarded in head and neck reconstructive surgery, is known to be one of the most reliable and versatile flaps. The microsurgery is usually easy to perform due to large vessels and a long pedicle; the double superficial and deep venous networks allow many microsurgical options. The sensory nerve coaptation, still debated for weight-bearing foot reconstruction and its sensory restoration, has recently undergone technical refinements. The authors review the microsurgical options for microvascular anastomosis and for sensory restoration.