Protective intramedullary fixation after harvest of an osteocutaneous radial free flap

Abstract

The osteocutaneous radial free flap, even after 30 years, is still considered to be the "workhorse" for head and neck reconstruction. A high incidence of donor site fractures has remained a major problem, however. The technique described here is a method developed for the prophylaxis of fractures of the donor site of the harvested radial bone and is based on a modification of the intramedullary Rush nail fixation. The data were collected from 18 patients in whom the radial forearm free flap had been used during reconstruction. None of the prophylactically-nailed radii fractured. The complications experienced with this technique are general complications, such as scarring of the forearm and dehiscence of the wound. This technique is simple, and has given excellent results. Aesthetic and functional results were comparable to those of other flaps used for reconstruction. We recommend this technique because of its simplicity, vascular safety, and cost effectiveness.

Donor-Site Outcomes for the Osteocutaneous Radial Forearm Free Flap

“…1 and 2). It is a quick, easy, and cheap procedure, as explained in detail by Knezević et al 2 From January 2004 until May 2017, 51 patient had an osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap raised, mainly for the reconstruction of the mandible after oncological resections. In four cases, maxillary reconstruction was performed with the radius.…”