Radial nerve morbidity in radial artery free flaps: harvest of cephalic vein versus venae comitantes.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the present paper was to determine the radial nerve morbidity associated with harvest of different venous conduits in the radial artery free flap.


METHODS
Retrospective study comparing subjective and objective symptoms of radial nerve morbidity in 51 consecutive free flaps over a 3-year period.


RESULTS
Damage to the radial nerve occurred in 9% (1/11) of patients in the cephalic vein group versus 18% (4/28) in the venae comitante group.


CONCLUSIONS
Raising the cephalic vein for venous drainage in the radial artery free flap doubles the incidence of radial nerve morbidity.
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. damiengrinsell@bigpond.com
Damien
D
Grinsell
David
D
Theile
D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017534:Radial Artery; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000098:blood supply; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System / Q000209:etiology*; D014680:Veins; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*