Application of forearm fusiform flap in repairing medium and small defects in oral and maxillofacial region

doi:10.19438/j.cjoms.2024.05.011

Abstract

Abstract: PURPOSE: To improve the traditional forearm flap and explore the clinical method of directly closing the donor area of the forearm. METHODS: Twenty-five cases of oral and maxillofacial malignant tumor or maxillofacial defects were collected and reconstructed with forearm fusiform flap. For maxillofacial medium defect, fusiform flap could be folded and sutured in half, and the donor site of the forearm could be closed directly after flap havesting. RESULTS: Among 25 cases of forearm fusiform flaps, only 1 case had flap necrosis after operation, and all the others survived. The donor area of the forearm did not require skin grafting, and the postoperative healing was normal and the scar was small. The average satisfaction score of the subjective questionnaire answered by patients was 8.56. No significant restriction of hand movement was observed after surgery in all cases. Of the 25 patients, 24 patients were satisfied with the surgery and 1 patient was dissatisfied, with a satisfaction rate of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: The application of forearm fusiform flap has good appearance and function recovery, and the preparation of which is simple, safe and reliable. After surgery, the donor area of the forearm can be directly co-sutured and closed, without skin grafting, implying little trauma, normal movement and function of the hand and wrist after surgery, small postoperative scars, high patient satisfaction, and worthy of clinical application.

Key words: Radial forearm free flap, Fusiform flap, Donor site closure, Flap design

CLC Number:

R782.2

LI Xiao-gao, DENG Hua, HE Qian-ting. Application of forearm fusiform flap in repairing medium and small defects in oral and maxillofacial region[J]. China Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2024, 22(5): 473-477.

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