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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
The 'buddy flap' concept of soft-tissue-defect reconstruction
Yuanbo Liu1, Mengqing Zang, Bin Song
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Ba-Da-Chu Road 33#, Beijing 100144, China. Liuyuanbo1967@yahoo.com.cn
Summary
The buddy flap technique reliably reconstructs large donor-site defects from flap harvesting, minimizing morbidity. This approach allows for larger flap use in soft-tissue reconstruction with excellent aesthetic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Donor-site morbidity from large cutaneous flap harvesting limits reconstructive surgery options.
- The buddy flap concept was developed to address donor-site defect closure challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the buddy flap technique for closing large donor-site defects.
- To assess the impact of the buddy flap technique on donor-site morbidity and aesthetic results.
Main Methods:
- The buddy flap concept was applied in 12 patients between 2007 and 2010.
- Primary flaps (e.g., latissimus dorsi, anterolateral thigh) repaired defects, while secondary pedicle flaps (axial or perforator) served as buddy flaps for donor sites.
- Buddy flaps were used for donor-site closure following large cutaneous flap harvesting.
Main Results:
- Buddy flaps successfully closed large donor-site defects (10x7 to 35x20 cm) with preserved contour and acceptable scarring.
- All flaps survived completely, with minor complications (seroma, infection, hematoma) managed effectively.
- Additional time for buddy flap procedures was under 1 hour.
Conclusions:
- The buddy flap approach provides reliable coverage for large donor-site defects with low morbidity and excellent aesthetics.
- This technique enables the use of larger cutaneous flaps in reconstruction without significant donor-site morbidity concerns.
- The buddy flap method effectively diminishes concerns regarding donor-site defects in extensive soft-tissue reconstruction.
