Utility of the lateral arm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction: a single-centre experience with Chinese patients. Issue 10 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jia, M.-Q.; Zou, H.-X.; Xiong, X.-P.; Ma, S.-R.; Yu, S.; Wei, L.-L.; Jia, J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery. Volume 49:Issue 10(2020:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1264
• Page End: 1270
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: lateral arm flap -- oral cavity -- soft tissue reconstruction; Mouth -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentistry, Operative; Oral Surgical Procedures; Surgery, Oral; Dentistry; Maxilla -- Surgery; Mouth -- Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.52059
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2020.02.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0901-5027

Abstract

Abstract: The lateral arm flap (LAF) may offer an alternative option for oral cavity repair. Twenty-five Chinese patients with oral cavity defects were reconstructed with a LAF. The anatomical characteristics of the flap, the donor site complications, and the functional and aesthetic assessments of recipient site were reviewed. The overall flap survival was 96.0% (24/25patients). The average pedicle length was 7.07 ± 1.09 cm when it was cut off at the insert of the deltoid, with an average arterial diameter of 1.30 ± 0.37 mm and vein diameter of 2.06 ± 0.48 mm. The average flap length was 7.06 ± 1.01 cm, and the average flap breadth was 5.28 ± 0.66 cm, with the average flap size ranging from 18 to 42 cm 2 . One to three reliable perforators supplied the flap, with the proximal, middle, and distal perforators being located at 9.9 ± 1.1 cm, 8.6 ± 1.4 cm, and 5.7 ± 1.2 cm from the lateral epicondyle, respectively. The donor defect was closed primarily and healed uneventfully. A longitudinal scar was the most common morbidity of the donor site. The function and shape of the reconstructed tissues were well restored. The LAF provides a reliable choice for reconstructing medium-sized oral cavity defects, with minimal donor-site morbidity and ideally functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of the recipient site.