Tongue reconstruction with a combined brachioradialis-radial forearm flap. J Reconstr Microsurg 2000 Jan;16(1):7-13
Date
02/11/2000Pubmed ID
10668748DOI
10.1055/s-2000-7535Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0033984956 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 17 CitationsAbstract
Total glossectomy adversely affects speech and swallowing, and subsequent reconstruction results in limited functional return. The radial forearm flap has been reliably used to resurface glossectomy defects, but has limited bulk with which to aid in palatoglossal contact for speech. The authors have modified the forearm flap by incorporating a segment of brachioradialis muscle, to increase bulk posteriorly and to aid in speech. Sufficient muscle perforators arise from the proximal brachial artery and enter the brachioradialis to permit transfer of the muscle with the fasciocutaneous forearm flap as a single free-flap unit. The muscle is folded onto itself and enclosed within the forearm flap skin to create a neotongue. Coaptation of the antebrachial cutaneous nerves can provide a senate flap. Successful transfer of the combined brachioradialis/forearm flap in a patient who had undergone total glossectomy resulted in a neotongue good shape. Speech was rated good by a speech pathologist, and palatoglossal contact was observed on cineoradiograph. No functional loss at the donor site occurred. Inclusion of the brachioradialis muscle with the radial forearm flap as a combined unit results in a neotongue with good form and increased bulk posteriorly at the base, compared to a standard fasciocutaneous flap alone. This is a useful variation of the forearm flap. Sensory return is possible if the medial and/or lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves of the flap are coapted to the lingual nerve.
Author List
Sanger JR, Campbell BH, Ye Z, Yousif NJ, Matloub HSAuthors
Bruce H. Campbell MD Emeritus Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of WisconsinHani S. Matloub MD Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
James R. Sanger MD Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Carcinoma, Squamous CellFemale
Glossectomy
Humans
Middle Aged
Surgical Flaps
Tongue Neoplasms
