Abstract
A disadvantage of the radial forearm flap is the removal of skin from a functionally important and aesthetically exposed region. To minimize the donor site morbidity with this flap, we have thus far used a two-phase procedure for intraoral defect coverage in 15 patients: In a first step, a 0.5-mm split thickness skin graft is transplanted to the forearm fascia and settles there over a period of 2 weeks. In step two, the prefabricated fascial-split thickness skin graft can be raised with complete preservation of the forearm skin and microsurgically transferred like a conventional radial forearm flap. We have obtained the following results with this procedure: (1) All skin grafts took completely on the forearm fascia. (2) Prefabricated fascial-split thickness skin flaps could be raised like conventional radial forearm flaps. (3) The very thin and moldable flaps were excellently suited for intraoral lining and showed complication-free healing. We conclude that tension-free, primary closure of the donor site can be achieved with minimal aesthetic and functional impairment.
| Translated title of the contribution | Raising a radial flap with primary wound closure by prefabrication of split skin fascia flaps |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 224-228 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie : MKG |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| State | Published - Jul 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |