Pedicled Radial Forearm Flap in Reconstruction of Complex Defects in the Craniofacial Region.

Abstract

The radial forearm flap is a fasciocutaneous flap that has been used for reconstructing defects in the craniofacial region, either as a free flap or a pedicled flap. The pedicled radial forearm flap is a reliable option for reconstructing scalp defects. Microvascular free tissue transfer has, however, remained the preferred choice in the reconstruction of most complex scalp defects in the craniofacial region. We present the cases of a 37-year-old woman with an ulcerated malignant lesion on the forehead and a 40-year-old woman with a large malignant tumor on the scalp. Excision of both lesions, which turned out to be squamous cell carcinomas, resulted in complex defects that were reconstructed with pedicled radial forearm flaps. Both patients had satisfactory results and were counseled for radiotherapy.