PREEXPANDED RADIAL FOREARM FREE-FLAP TO THE SCALP

The radial forearm flap is a versatile tool for the reconstructive sur geon because of its thinness, durable skin quality, aesthetic match, a nd relative ease of dissection. This flap is an ideal candidate for re construction of head and neck defects. One of the drawbacks is its rel ative small size, which may limit its use in certain applications. We describe the preexpansion of the radial forearm flap for its use in co vering a large scalp defect. Preexpansion of the radial forearm free f lap enables the reconstructive surgeon to increase the size of the fla p markedly without altering its neurovascular anatomic relationships. Also described is the unexpected benefit of a periprosthetic capsule t hat covers the flexor tendons of the forearm and acts as an excellent bed for a skin graft.