Lateral-arm free flap for reconstruction in the head and neck.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the role of the lateral-arm free flap in reconstruction of head and neck defects following ablative oncologic surgery and to discuss the anatomy of this flap as well as indications for its use.


METHODS
A prospective study of all patients undergoing a lateral-arm free flap was performed. Up to 3 years of follow-up was obtained.


METHODS
Tertiary referral centre.


METHODS
A total of 12 lateral-arm free flaps were utilized to reconstruct defects ranging in size from 4 x 7 to 10 x 7 cm. Maximum width of the flap was 7 cm. A mean area of 55 cm2 was harvested.


METHODS
Flap survival, morbidity, speech intelligibility, and oral function and intake were assessed.


RESULTS
The vascular pedicle was reliable with vessel diameters of 1.5 mm, and length of 6 to 7 cm. All flaps survived, and minimal donor site morbidity was encountered. Nine patients maintained good speech with adequate intelligibility while 10 patients maintained adequate oral intake.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional results can be obtained with the lateral-arm free flap. A consistent pedicle of good length and size was found. It is our flap of choice in older, thinner individuals when the width of the donor site is less than 7 cm, which allows for primary closure.
Wax
M K
MK
Department of Otolaryngology, West Virginia University Health Science Center South, Morgantown, USA.
Briant
T D
TD
Mahoney
J L
JL
D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014059:Tongue / Q000601:surgery*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous