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Ulnar artery–based free forearm flap: Review of specific anatomic features in 322 cases and related literature
Author(s) -
Hakim Samer G.,
Trenkle Thomas,
Sieg Peter,
Jacobsen HansChristian
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.23594
Subject(s) - ulnar artery , medicine , forearm , anatomy , anastomosis , ulnar nerve , flexor carpi ulnaris , free flap , soft tissue , head and neck , radial artery , surgery , dorsum , artery , elbow
Background The ulnar free forearm flap (UFFF) represents a variant of soft tissue transplants for orofacial reconstruction with specific topographic anatomy of the donor‐site, which has to be considered during flap raising. Methods Analysis of intraoperative findings during harvest of 322 UFFFs for head and neck reconstruction was performed. Harvest technique in view of variations of skin flap, vascular, and neuronal anatomy is described herein and related literature is reviewed. Results Aberrant superficial ulnar artery was observed in 1.5% of cases. The Martin–Gruber anastomosis was seen in 11.5%. The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve was always visible and had to be dissected and separated under the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle and donor‐site morbidity was low. Conclusion Considering local anatomic features and variations, the harvest of the UFFF is safe and survival rates are comparable with those of the radial forearm flap. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1224–1229, 2014