A split Chinese forearm flap for simultaneous oral lining and skin cover

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Head and Neck Reconstruction

Background:

• Reconstructing defects following oral cancer resection often requires complex multi-tissue grafts.
• Simultaneous restoration of oral lining, mandible, and external skin cover presents a significant surgical challenge.

Observation:

• This report details the successful application of the Chinese or radial forearm flap in three patients requiring extensive head and neck reconstruction.
• The flap was utilized to address defects involving oral lining, mandibular discontinuity, and overlying skin.

Findings:

• The Chinese/radial forearm flap demonstrated efficacy in providing simultaneous oral lining, mandibular reconstruction, and skin coverage.
• Specific considerations for flap design were identified to optimize outcomes for these complex reconstructions.

Implications:

• This flap serves as a viable option for single-stage reconstruction of composite oral and facial defects.
• Further refinement of flap design can enhance functional and aesthetic results in head and neck cancer patients.