The radial forearm free flap: a review of microsurgical options.
The radial forearm free flap, highly regarded in head and neck reconstructive surgery, is known to be one of the most reliable and versatile flaps. The microsurgery is usually easy to perform due to large vessels and a long pedicle; the double superficial and deep venous networks allow many microsurgical options. The sensory nerve coaptation, still debated for weight-bearing foot reconstruction and its sensory restoration, has recently undergone technical refinements. The authors review the microsurgical options for microvascular anastomosis and for sensory restoration.
Médard de Chardon
Victor
V
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, St-Roch Hospital, 5 rue Pierre Devoluy, 06300 Nice, France. v.mdc@mac.com
Balaguer
Thierry
T
Chignon-Sicard
Bérengère
B
Riah
Younes
Y
Ihrai
Tarik
T
Dannan
Emad
E
Lebreton
Elisa
E
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012677:Sensation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*