[Reconstruction of large through-and-through palate defects with folded free forearm flap].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the reconstruction method of large through-and-through palate defects.


METHODS
From 2003 to 2006, 7 cases of large through-and-through palate defects were reconstructed with vascularized folded free forearm flap. 8 flaps were used, including 7 free forearm flaps and 1 pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.


RESULTS
All the tissue flaps survived well except one flap necrosis because of arterial thrombosis. The appearance of reconstructed palate was acceptable, and the functions of swallowing and speech were normal or almost normal.


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible and effective to repair large through-and-through palate defects with folded free forearm flap.
Zhang
Tao
T
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
Chen
Yong-Ning
YN
Zhao
Ji-Zhi
JZ
Li
Qian
Q
Yu
Li-Jiang
LJ
Yan
Xue-Chuan
XC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010159:Palate / Q000293:injuries*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D055815:Young Adult