SENSORY RECOVERY IN NONINNERVATED FREE FLAPS FOR HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION

Recent studies have reported sensory recovery in innervated (''sensate '') microvascular free naps used for oromandibular reconstruction. To evaluate the efficacy of sensate free flaps used for head and neck rec onstruction, the natural outcome of noninnervated naps must be known, Data on the natural recovery of sensation in noninnervated head and ne ck free naps are lacking in the Literature. This study evaluates the d egree of spontaneous sensory reinnervation in noninnervated microvascu lar free naps used for reconstruction of a variety of head and neck de fects. Eighteen naps were evaluated - 9 fibula osseocutaneous and 9 ra dial forearm, The fibula flaps were used to reconstruct composite defe cts of the mandible and oral cavity mucosa, The radial forearm naps we re used to reconstruct defects resulting from floor of mouth resection (3), total glossectomy (2), pharyngectomy (1), full-thickness cheek ( 1), and facial skin (2). Sensation to pinprick, light touch, and tempe rature discrimination were tested over the skin paddle at time interva ls ranging from 6 to 24 months. The pattern of sensory reinnervation i n these noninnervated flaps over time and by location is discussed.