Reinnervated radial forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction

• Published in: Journal of reconstructive microsurgery Vol. 8; no. 6; p. 467
• Main Authors: Dubner, S, Heller, K S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.1992
• Subjects: Combined Modality Therapy; Glossectomy; Humans; Microsurgery - methods; Motor Neurons - physiology; Mouth Floor - innervation; Mouth Neoplasms - physiopathology; Mouth Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Mouth Neoplasms - surgery; Nerve Regeneration - physiology; Postoperative Complications - physiopathology; Sensory Receptor Cells - physiopathology; Sensory Thresholds - physiology; Surgical Flaps - methods; Surgical Flaps - physiology; Tongue - innervation; Tongue Neoplasms - physiopathology; Tongue Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Tongue Neoplasms - surgery
• ISSN: 0743-684X
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006732

The radial forearm flap has proved to be a reliable free flap for intraoral reconstruction after major head and neck ablative surgery for cancer. In contrast to the myocutaneous flap, it is thin and flexible, and as a result, it is better suited to conforming to the irregular surface which remains over an intact or restored mandible. A criticism of both techniques however, is that while the flap effectively fills the defect, it serves as an insensate reservoir in which food and saliva can collect. A modification of the reinnervated radial forearm free flap is presented, with discussion of its use in three patients, following extensive resection of the floor of the mouth and tongue.