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J Reconstr Microsurg 1993; 9(6): 387-396
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006747
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1993 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

The Osteocutaneous Upper Arm Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction

D. Martin, J. P. De Biscop, J. M. Mondie, J. Baudet, G. Peri
  • Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery, Hôpital du Tondu, Bordeaux, France
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1993

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The authors present the osteocutaneous upper arm flap as useful in segmental microsurgical mandibular reconstructions. This flap presents several advantages: easy and rapid dissection; a long and reliable pedicle; excellent segmental blood supply to the bone, allowing multiple osteotomies; remarkable mobility of the skin paddle relating to the underlying bone; and minimal donor-site morbidity. Among its few disadvantages are that the bone is predominantly cortical, and the bone shaft cannot exceed 11 × 2 cm. Nevertheless, this flap is an excellent alternative to conventional procedures, when a segmental reconstruction, requiring short bone segments and skin, is required.

Eight consecutive clinical cases have been successfully treated and are reported.