Evaluation of bone length and number of osteotomies utilizing the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap for mandible reconstruction: An 8-year review of complications and flap survival

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of bone harvest length and multiple osteotomies on osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF) complication rates. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients undergoing osteocutaneous RFFF reconstruction during an 8-year period. Results One hundred fifty-five osteocutaneous RFFF procedures were performed. Recipient-site flap complications were 18 of 55 (32.7%) when bone harvest length was less than 7 cm and 40 of 100 (40.0%) when it was ≥7 cm. No osteotomies were performed in 69 of 155 cases with a corresponding complication rate of 30.4% (21 of 69). One osteotomy was utilized in 69 of 155 flaps, whereas 17 of 155 required more than 1 osteotomy; complications were experienced in 42% (29 of 69) and 47% (8 of 17) of these cases, respectively. Conclusion Osteocutaneous RFFF complication rates were only slightly higher when the bone length was ≥7 cm or when multiple osteotomies were required.