The Radial Forearm Flap: A Technique Modification for Oral Cavity Composite Defects Involving a Marginal Mandibulectomy

Baber Khatib; Ashish Patel; Eric J Dierks; Allen Cheng

doi:10.1016/j.joms.2018.07.014

The Radial Forearm Flap: A Technique Modification for Oral Cavity Composite Defects Involving a Marginal Mandibulectomy

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019 Jan;77(1):195-203. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2018.07.014. Epub 2018 Jul 20.

Authors

Baber Khatib¹, Ashish Patel², Eric J Dierks³, Allen Cheng⁴

Affiliations

¹ Fellow, Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, Providence Cancer Center, Head and Neck Institute, Portland, OR. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Attending Head and Neck/Microvascular Surgeon, Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Program and Clinic, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, OR, and Consultant, Head and Neck Institute, Portland, OR.
³ Director of Maxillofacial Trauma, Trauma Service, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland, OR, and Consultant, Head and Neck Institute, Portland, OR.
⁴ Director, Head and Neck Cancer Program, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center, Portland OR, and Consultant, Head and Neck Institute, Portland, OR.

PMID: 30114380
DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2018.07.014

Abstract

The radial forearm flap is a versatile reconstructive option for oral cavity defects with highly reliable success rates. We encountered more than one flap compromise when we used a radial forearm flap to reconstruct the soft tissue and provide coverage over the mandible, after a marginal mandibulectomy. From this observation, we modified our technique for radial forearm harvest and inset to avoid placing the pedicle in compression against the mandible. The purpose of this article is to present the cases that led to this observation, and present the technique modification in design and execution that we have used.

MeSH terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell*
Forearm
Humans
Mandibular Osteotomy*
Plastic Surgery Procedures*
Surgical Flaps