Reconstructing a full-thickness cheek defect of electrical burn with a folding radial forearm flap

A 42-year-old male patient sustained severe burns from 10-kV, high-voltage electricity on his right cheek. The wound on the right cheek was 12 × 10 cm and was connected to the oral cavity. The teeth, gums, and mandible were exposed. A left radial forearm free flap was designed according to the size and shape of the cheek wound. The superficial portion of the flap was 13 × 9.5 cm, and the lining portion of the flap, replacing the oral mucosa, was 6 × 5 cm. The end of the radial artery was anastomosed to the facial artery contralaterally through a subcutaneous tunnel under his jaw, because the ipsilateral facial artery had been injured. The end of the radial vein was anastomosed to the external jugular vein ipsilaterally. In conclusion, free folding radial forearm flaps could be a good alternative for reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the cheek.