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Radial forearm flap in maxillo-facial surgery
1Department of Dentistry and Maxillo-facial Surgery, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Hungary.
Acta Chirurgica Hungarica
|January 1, 1994
Summary
The free radial forearm flap is a reliable method for facial skin defect reconstruction, particularly effective for intraoral defects following pull-through surgery. While generally safe, minor donor site complications can occur.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Free radial forearm flap is a versatile option for soft tissue reconstruction.
- Intraoral and extraoral defects present unique reconstructive challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the free radial forearm flap in patients with intraoral and extraoral defects.
- To determine the flap's reliability for facial resurfacing and intraoral reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 30 consecutive patients treated with free radial forearm flap.
- Analysis of flap success rates and donor site complications.
Main Results:
- No total or partial flap failures were observed in 30 patients.
- Donor site complications included partial skin graft loss (4 patients) and one radial fracture.
- The flap demonstrated high reliability for intraoral reconstruction after pull-through operations.
Conclusions:
- The free radial forearm flap is a reliable technique for resurfacing large facial skin defects.
- Its primary utility lies in intraoral reconstruction post-pull-through surgery.
- Limitations exist for replacing segmental mandibular defects with osteocutaneous flaps.