Complications of free radial forearm flap transfers for head and neck reconstruction

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2005 Jun;99(6):671-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.10.010.

Abstract

Free tissue transfer using microvascular anastomosis has been established as an accepted maxillofacial reconstructive procedure. The free radial forearm flap (FRFF) has become a workhorse flap as a means of reconstructing surgical defects in the head and neck region. Since 1992, we have carried out 38 FRFF transfers in 37 patients for reconstruction after head and neck cancer ablative surgery. We present our clinical experience with head and neck reconstruction using the FRFF and the morbidity of the donor sites. Of the 38 FRFFs, 35 FRFFs were performed successfully. The survival rate of FRFF was 92%. Donor site complications included partial loss of skin graft in 4 donor sites (11%), abnormal sensations in 10 (26%), poor appearance in 3 (8%), and reduced grip strength in 4 (11%). Therefore, we believe that, because of the reliability, functional characteristics, and low donor site morbidity, the FRFF is a useful and versatile flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / rehabilitation
  • Forearm / surgery
  • Graft Rejection / etiology
  • Hand / blood supply
  • Hand Strength
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Radial Artery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Somatosensory Disorders / etiology
  • Surgical Flaps* / blood supply
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / adverse effects*