Ulnar Forearm Flap

The ulnar artery supplies approximately 80% of the forearm skin, making it ideal for use in large head and neck or intraoral defects. Unlike the radial forearm flap, the ulnar forearm flap has consistent proximal perforators that allow designing smaller, thicker flaps for isolated defects. The flap can be used as a reverse flow flap based on the distal ulnar artery to utilize the larger proximal surface area of the forearm. The venous drainage through the basilic vein or the extended vein from the arm allows large-caliber anastomosis to the ipsilateral or contralateral internal or external jugular vein.