J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2021 Dec;47(6):427-431. 10.5125/jkaoms.2021.47.6.427.

Closure of radial forearm free flap donor-site defect with proportional local full-thickness skin graft: case series study of a new design

• Han YS
• Lee H

• KMID: 2524701
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2021.47.6.427

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to describe a simple, convenient, and reliable new technique using local full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) for skin coverage of a donor-site defect of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF).
Patients and Methods
Between April 2016 and April 2021, five patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma underwent mass resection combined with RFFF reconstruction. After RFFF harvesting, donor-site defects were restored by proportional local FTSG.
Results
The donor-site defects ranged in size from 24 to 41.25 cm² , with a mean of 33.05 cm² . Good or acceptable esthetic outcomes were obtained in all five patients. There was no dehiscence, skin necrosis, wound infection, or severe scarring at the graft site through the end of the postoperative follow-up period, and no patient had any specific functional complaint.
Conclusion
The proportional local FTSG showed promising results for skin coverage of the donor-site defect of the RFFF. This technique could decrease the need for skin grafts from other sites.

Keyword

Radial forearm free flap; Local full-thickness skin graft; Donor site morbidity

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Diagram of a proportional local full-thickness skin graft. A. One oval and two semilunar skin islands were designed to cover the donor site defect. B. Design of full-thickness skin island. The vertical length of S2 is proportionally longer than that of S1. C. S1 is grafted at the center, and S2a and S2b are grafted on the upper and lower sides, respectively. (RFFF: radial forearm free flap)

• 

  Fig. 2 Design and postoperative appearance of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor-site restoration. A. Preoperative design of the RFFF and full-thickness skin islands for closure of the defect. B. Postoperative two weeks after removal of the tie-over bolus dressing. C. Postoperative healing after 13 months.

Reference

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