Reducing the donor site morbidity in radial forearm free flaps by utilizing a narrow radial forearm free flap

Abstract

Background The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has remained a leading choice of many plastic surgeons as a fasciocutaneous flap due to its versatility, pedicle length, and simple elevation technique. However, donor site morbidity has led many reconstructive surgeons to limit their use of the RFFF and to use other flaps instead. We propose that using a narrow RFFF (nRFFF) decreases the aesthetic and functional morbidity of the donor site.

Keywords

• Free tissue flaps
• Reconstructive surgery
• Cicatrix, hypertrophic