J Reconstr Microsurg 2002; 18(1): 033-036
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-19707
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Direct Closure of Radial Forearm Free-Flap Donor Sites by Double-Opposing Rhomboid Transposition Flaps: Case Report

Mustafa Akyürek, Tunç Şafak
  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 January 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

A basic disadvantage of the radial forearm flap is the removal of skin from a functionally important and cosmetically exposed region. The donor site is conventionally repaired by skin grafting. However, this method is associated with complications of graft take and a poor aesthetic appearance. In this report, the authors describe a simple technique for direct closure of a distal forearm flap donor defect, using double-opposing rhomboid transposition flaps. This method is based on the existence of an oblique skin laxity in the distal forearm from the ulnar to the radial side, allowing a double-opposing local flap design. In a 32-year-old female patient, a 6- × 4-cm longitudinally-oriented elliptical skin defect of a radial forearm free flap was succesfully closed directly with the described technique without any complications. This method is a useful alternative for primary closure of small- to medium-sized distal forearm defects.