Abstract

MARTOS DIAZ, P. et al. Free medial arm graft. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2007, vol.29, n.6, pp.381-386. ISSN 2173-9161.

Introduction. Free medial microvascularized arm grafts have not become very popular for the reconstruction of head and neck defects due to anatomic variations in their vascularization. Our objective was to describe the anatomy and surgical technique and to review the literature on the advantages and disadvantages of free medial arm grafts. Material and methods. We report the case of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the left jugal mucosa with same-side lymph node involvement. The tumor was resected with margins and a functional cervical dissection was performed. The defect was reconstructed using a free medial microvascularized graft from the left arm. Discussion. We believe that free medial arm grafts are a safer option for the reconstruction of cervicofacial defects and that they offer advantages, among which can be highlighted: not sacrificing a terminal artery, primary closure of the donor zone, minimal esthetic defect, and yielding fine, elastic, hairless skin.

Keywords : Medial arm flap; Superior ulnar collateral artery.

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