Radial Forearm Free Flap for Head and Neck Defect Reconstruction: An Up-to-date Review of the Literature

Abstract

The radial forearm free flap has emerged as the mainstay of free flaps for oral cavity soft tissue reconstructions because of its versatility and ability to be used in the reconstruction of large and medium-sized defects. This flap is commonly used to restore head and neck defects, including full-thickness lip and oral cavity defects. This flap offers the opportunity to cover severe defects of the facial region due to its long vascular pedicle and elasticity. In addition to its ease of being harvested, the radial forearm free flap provides a sensate, pliable, and thin skin paddle with a long vascular pedicle. However, it can cause severe morbidity at the donor site, mainly due to exposure of the flexor tendon that results from a failed harvesting of the skin graft, changed sensation in the radial nerve, aesthetic deformity, and reduced range of motion and grip strength. This article aims to review all the up-to-date studies discussing the use of radial forearm free flap in head and neck reconstruction.