Versatility and donor site morbidity of the lateral upper arm flap in intraoral reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE

The lateral upper arm flap is not widely used yet for intraoral defect reconstruction. Investigation of its morphologic and functional outcome was the objective of this study.

STUDY

DESIGN

The morphologic and functional results of recipient (swallowing, flap survival, dehiscence of margins, cutaneous fistulas, intraoral hairs) and donor sites (wound healing, scar width and length, sensory and motor disturbance) (n = 44) were checked clinically. Postoperative swallowing was investigated via videofluorography (n = 11).

RESULTS

The lateral upper arm flap showed low donor site morbidity, primary closure was achieved in all but one case. Sensory deficit at the proximal forearm (n = 27) occurred without any case of compromise of radial nerve function. Videofluorography allows for objective evaluation of swallowing function.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral upper arm flap is the reconstruction of first choice for intraoral defects due to its low donor site morbidity.