Jessica Biagiotti, Grace Anne Longfellow, Nicole DiDonna, Kamran Khan, Gregory M Knoll, Lynn Damitz
{"title":"Challenges in Radial Forearm Free Flap Surgery: A Comprehensive Case Analysis of Septic Complications at the Donor Site.","authors":"Jessica Biagiotti, Grace Anne Longfellow, Nicole DiDonna, Kamran Khan, Gregory M Knoll, Lynn Damitz","doi":"10.1097/SAP.0000000000004139","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has emerged as a leading option for microvascular reconstruction of head and neck soft-tissue defects. Despite the favorable outcomes conferred by RFFFs, complications such as skin graft loss and tendon exposure can occur. We present the case of a 77-year-old man who underwent RFFF reconstruction after excision of squamous cell carcinoma from the head and neck. The patient subsequently developed flexor tenosynovitis, septic arthritis of the wrist, and osteomyelitis of several carpal bones as a direct result of partial skin graft loss and prolonged tendon exposure at the donor site. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this specific complication. Review of the literature reveals the need for continued research into RFFF donor site complications to mitigate the incidence of significant morbidity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8060,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Plastic Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"180-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4000,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Annals of Plastic Surgery","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000004139","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2024/11/7 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"SURGERY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Abstract: The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has emerged as a leading option for microvascular reconstruction of head and neck soft-tissue defects. Despite the favorable outcomes conferred by RFFFs, complications such as skin graft loss and tendon exposure can occur. We present the case of a 77-year-old man who underwent RFFF reconstruction after excision of squamous cell carcinoma from the head and neck. The patient subsequently developed flexor tenosynovitis, septic arthritis of the wrist, and osteomyelitis of several carpal bones as a direct result of partial skin graft loss and prolonged tendon exposure at the donor site. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this specific complication. Review of the literature reveals the need for continued research into RFFF donor site complications to mitigate the incidence of significant morbidity.
期刊介绍:
The only independent journal devoted to general plastic and reconstructive surgery, Annals of Plastic Surgery serves as a forum for current scientific and clinical advances in the field and a sounding board for ideas and perspectives on its future. The journal publishes peer-reviewed original articles, brief communications, case reports, and notes in all areas of interest to the practicing plastic surgeon. There are also historical and current reviews, descriptions of surgical technique, and lively editorials and letters to the editor.