VERSATILITY OF RADIAL FOREARM FREE FLAP

ABSTRACT

Microsurgical techniques have developed numerous territories suitable for free tissue transfer. However, there are so many flaps in plastic and reconstructive surgical field, so no one dare to say which flap is the best. The radiovolar area of the forearm constitutes a versatile source for composite tissue free flap reconstruction for many areas of the body. The skin is thin and relatively hairless, and the vascular pedicle is long and large caliber The flap can be harvested conjunction with tendons and bone. The skin can be reliably reinnervated. We have used 32 radial forearm free flaps to reconstruct defect in various areas of the body resulting from tumor ablation, postburn scar contracture and penile amputation injury. We had two flap failures, one developed necrosis from venous thrombus formation, the other from the infection due to sepsis. Thirty of the 32 flaps survived completely. Overall survival rate was 94%. The donor sites have been relatively inconspicuous.