Closure of radial forearm free flap donor site defect with a local meshed full-thickness skin graft: a retrospective study of an original technique

Abstract

Introduction: Closure of the radial free flap donor site remains a problem. Donor site morbidity is related to poor skin graft taking, inaesthetic appearance and hand sensory dysfunction.

Patients and methods: From January 1998 to December 2002, 41 radial free flaps were harvested. The donor site closure technique consisted of a combination of: flexor tendons coverage, purse string and local meshed full-thickness skin graft.

Results: The mean time of wound healing of the donor site was 4.68 weeks. Four patients (16%) developed a partial necrosis of the skin graft. Nine patients (36%) showed a definitive hypoaesthesia in the dorsal region of the thumb. Neither total necrosis of the skin graft nor exposure of flexor carpi radialis tendon was noted. The average visual analogue scale of the aesthetics was 6 (patients), 4.18 (students) and 7.2 (first author) out of 10.

Conclusion: This technique for closing a small-to-medium sized radial donor site defect is recommended.