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Radial forearm flap in maxillo-facial surgery
1Department of Dentistry and Maxillo-facial Surgery, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary.
Acta Chirurgica Hungarica
|January 1, 1995
Summary
The free radial forearm flap is a reliable method for reconstructing facial defects, particularly intraoral ones. While generally safe, minor donor site complications can occur, but flap survival is excellent.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Plastic surgery
- Head and neck surgery
Background:
- Free radial forearm flap is a common technique for tissue reconstruction.
- Intraoral and extraoral defects require effective reconstructive solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the outcomes of free radial forearm flap use in 30 consecutive patients.
- To evaluate the flap's reliability for intraoral and extraoral defect reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 30 patients treated with free radial forearm flaps.
- Analysis of flap success rates and donor site complications.
Main Results:
- No total or partial flap failures were observed in 30 patients.
- Successful reconstruction of intraoral defects in 24 patients and extraoral defects in 6 patients.
- Minor donor site complications included skin graft loss (4 patients) and radial fracture (1 patient).
Conclusions:
- The radial forearm flap is a reliable option for resurfacing large facial skin defects.
- Its primary utility lies in intraoral reconstruction, especially after pull-through procedures.
- Osteocutaneous flap use is limited for segmental mandibular defects.