Chicarilli ZN, Ariyan S, Cuono CB
Single-stage repair of complex scalp and cranial defects with the free radial forearm flap. [Journal Article]
Plast Reconstr Surg 1986 Apr; 77(4):577-85.
The free radial forearm flap provides a reliable single-stage method to cover difficult scalp and forehead defects where other local methods are unsuitable. Six patients have been successfully reconstructed utilizing seven free radial forearm flaps. A description of our surgical technique along with illustrative cases demonstrate the indications and advantages of this flap. Cranial soft-tissue deficits are primarily cutaneous; therefore, a more predictable reconstruction can be obtained utilizing a cutaneous flap with similar characteristics. Restoration of bony defects should be considered separately utilizing autogenous bone and/or alloplastic materials and not merely obliterated with a bulky soft-tissue flap. Therefore, if the local factors of a cranial wound require the utilization of a distant tissue transfer, we prefer the thin coverage of a well-vascularized free fasciocutaneous radial forearm flap over two-stage distant pedicle flaps or skin-grafted free flaps.
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