Repair of radial forearm free flap donor defect using ulnar forearm flap

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new method to reduce the donor morbidity of radial forearm free flap using ulnar forearm flap, and to evaluate its usefulness and results. 6 patients underwent radial forearm free flap designed by authors and we repaired radial forearm flap donor defect using ulnar forearm flap following ablative surgery for oropharyngeal cancers from June 1995 to February 1997. Radial forearm flap was designed just proximal to wrist crease, and its vascular pedicle was placed in the center of flap. Donor defect was repaired with V-Y fashion closure using ulnar artery axial pattern fasciocutaneous flap. Mean closing time of donor site was 30 minutes. and mean healing period of donor site was 10 days. There was no difficulty in closure. All donor sites healed completely without complication. Limitation of motion was not noticed in the wrist and forearm. We conclude that repair of radial forearm flap donor defect using ulnar forearm flap is new excellent method to prevent the prominent scar of forearm in cases of conventional skin graft for donor defect, and provide rapid healing of wound with low risk of complication