The Anomalous Radial Artery: A Rare Vascular Variant and Its Implications in Radial Forearm Free Tissue Transfer

Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2020 Sep;13(3):215-218. doi: 10.1177/1943387520904206. Epub 2020 Apr 7.

Abstract

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has become a workhorse for soft tissue reconstruction following surgical ablation of head and neck cancer. Given the popularity of the RFFF, it is important to understand potential variants of upper extremity vascular anatomy and the effects of these findings on pre- and intraoperative planning. The purpose of this series is to synthesize the existing literature to raise awareness for potential radial artery aberrations during planned reconstruction.

Keywords: radial artery; radial forearm free flap; reconstruction; trauma.

Publication types

  • Review