[Lip and cheek reconstruction with composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the value of functional reconstruction of the lip and cheek with composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap.


METHODS
Composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap was used in 5 cases, the flap was folded for repair of oral mucosa and external skin, palmaris longus tendon and the remaining orbicularis muscles were sutured so that oral contour and function could be achieved. All the patients were followed up for at least 20 months.


RESULTS
All 5 composite flaps survived well postoperatively. 6 months after reconstruction, the patients had good oral and facial contour; 10-12 months after surgery, the dynamic function of mouth opening and closing as well as mastication was recovered to normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Composite radial forearm-palmaris longus tendon flap is reliable and thus recommended for functional reconstruction of the lip and cheek.
Jiang
Yin-Hua
YH
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui Stomatological Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China. jiangyinghua888888@yahoo.com.cn
Tian
Ke-Bin
KB
Liu
Wei-Dong
WD
Fan
Tong-Hai
TH
Li
Fang
F
D002610:Cheek / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip / Q000601:surgery*; D009055:Mouth / Q000502:physiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013710:Tendons