Abstract

BOLADO-GUTIERREZ, P. et al. Closure of radial forearm flap donor site using a rotation-advancement flap based on ulnar perforators. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2013, vol.39, n.3, pp.241-246. ISSN 1989-2055.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0376-78922013000300005.

The radial forearm free flap transfer is known in clinical practice because of its wide use in several reconstructive procedures. However, it is also popular because of the potential morbidity at the donor site such as vascular, motor, sensory or aesthetic disorders. Despite numerous changes have been made in both the extraction and closing the flap defect, until today none of the procedures has been shown to fully mitigate these sequelae. We present our experience with the use of a rotation-advancement in a V-Y pattern fasciocutaneous flap based on the perforating vessels of the ulnar artery in the treatment of the defect resulting from the harvesting of the radial forearm free flap. This procedure was used in 7 patients with an age range between 30 and 86 years old. The radial dimensions of the flap in the longitudinal axis of the forearm were 4 to 5.5 cm, with a transverse axis to the vascular pedicle from 8 to 10 cm. All the cases kept the motive power of the forearm, wrist, hand and fingers, without tendon adhesions. There were no changes in strength or in preoperative sensitivity to the forearm involved. The scars were aesthetically acceptable. We conclude that the rotation-advancement in a V-Y pattern fasciocutaneous flap based on perforators of the ulnar artery is a technique that provides numerous advantages over skin grafts or other dermal substitutes, as well as being cheaper, with a faster scar period and superior aesthetic results.

Keywords : Radial forearm free flap; Donor site; Ulnar flap; Rotation-advancement flap; V-Y flap.

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