Fasciocutaneous flaps in intraoral reconstruction

Fasciocutaneous flaps have been established as entities in their own right, with their own specific characteristics. At present, the fasciocutaneous flap with the greatest intraoral potential is the radial flap. The author's discussion of this flap includes a preliminary description of the vascular pattern of the forearm and the procedure for siting and raising the flap, as well as subsequent dissection. Other topics considered include management of the secondary defect, the fasciocutaneous flap in relation to radiotherapy, the vascular anastomosis, and management of the bone.