The Tai Chi Flap: A Novel Design for the Radial Forearm Flap

Abstract

Objective: Tai Chi is an ancient philosophy used to explain the universe. The Tai Chi symbol is represented by Yin/Yang fishes. The authors describe a novel radial forearm flap (RFF) design for the reconstruction of circular defects based on the Tai Chi symbol.

Methods: Eleven consecutive patients with craniofacial skin or mucus defects underwent reconstruction with a Tai Chi RFF. Patient perioperative and follow-up information was collected.

Results: The diameter of the Tai Chi RFF was 5 to 6 cm. All flaps healed uneventfully without ischemic problems, and all donor site defects were closed primarily without skin grafts. Remarkably, 2 patients received a tattoo to mark the Tai Chi symbol and greatly appreciate the shape of the flap.

Conclusions: The Tai Chi flap is an economically friendly flap design that can be used to prevent skin grafts while providing psychological comfort to patients.