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Closure of the radial forearm donor site using a local hatchet flap: analysis of 45 consecutive cases
Jennifer C Lane1, Marc C Swan, Oliver C S Cassell
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Background:
The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is widely used in reconstructive surgery. Traditional donor-site closure by grafting may be associated with significant aesthetic and functional morbidity. We report our experience with primary closure using a local hatchet flap.
Methods:
In all, 45 consecutive patients who underwent RFFF reconstruction in the head and neck during an 8-year period were retrospectively assessed with regards to their donor-site morbidity.
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 54, with 23 being female. The mean RFFF area harvested was 37.7 cm; mean width, 7.6 cm (5.5-11 cm); and mean length, 4.7 cm (3.5-6.5 cm). All patients had their donor site closed primarily utilizing a local hatchet flap. At the time of follow-up, there were 33 surviving patients, of which 31 patients were available for assessment.
Conclusions:
We recommend this technique of primary closure of the RFFF donor site: it is well tolerated by the patient, with good cosmesis and is associated with no discernable functional morbidity.
