Function of the sensate free forearm flap after partial glossectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare functional recovery of sensitive free forearm flaps with non-sensitive free forearm flaps, following reconstruction for partial glossectomy.


METHODS
Sixteen patients underwent partial glossectomy for oncological reasons, of whom: nine patients underwent repair with non-sensitive free forearm flaps (group A) and seven with sensitive free flaps (group B).


METHODS
All patients underwent the following tests: (1) tactile sensitivity evaluation, localization of stimulus, sharp/blunt definition, discrimination between two points (static and dynamic), thermal sensitivity to heat/cold; (2) speech evaluation by means of the modified Fanzago test; (3) subjective evaluation concerning the degree of satisfaction of the following functions: swallowing, feeding and talking.


RESULTS
The sensitivity and logopaedic evaluation tests and the subjective evaluation charts highlight an overall better functional recovery of the sensitive repair than the non-sensitive ones.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients who have undergone partial glossectomy repair with free forearm neurofasciocutaneous flaps allow good recovery of oral functions and, therefore, a good quality of life.
Biglioli
Federico
F
Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery , San Paolo University Hospital, Milan, Italy. federico.biglioli@unimi.it
Liviero
Fabio
F
Frigerio
Alice
A
Rezzonico
Angela
A
Brusati
Roberto
R
D005542:Forearm / Q000294:innervation; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008409:Mastication; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013060:Speech; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000294:innervation*; D014059:Tongue / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014110:Touch; D016896:Treatment Outcome