Reconstruction of full-thickness cheek defects with using free osseocutaneous radial forearm flap.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present clinical study was to evaluate the feasibility of free osseocutaneous radial forearm flap in the reconstruction of full-thickness cheek defect after ablative cancer surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review of data was obtained from consecutive patients requiring free osseocutaneous radial forearm flap to recover both the cutaneous and bone deficit in major full-thickness cheek defect after oncologic resection.

RESULTS

Two patients had advanced cheek squamous cell carcinoma. All patients had combined bone and extensive soft-tissue defects. The free osseocutaneous radial forearm flap measuring 10 × 8 cm to 14 × 10 cm was used to reconstruct the major through-and-through cheek defects. No major complications occurred in any patient. The patients were followed up for 6 to 20 months; 1 patient was living with no evidence of disease, and 1 had died of local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The free osseocutaneous radial forearm flap to reconstruct major through-and-through cheek soft tissue and bone defects is reliable and an excellent alternative to other options for patients who have full-thickness defect of cheek.