Versatility and donor site morbidity of the lateral upper arm flop in intraoral reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: The lateral upper arm flap is not widely used yet for intraoral defect reconstruction. Investigation of its morphologic and functional outc ome was the objective of this study. STUDY DESIGN: The morphologic and functional results of recipient (swallowi ng, flap survival, dehiscence of margins, cutaneous fistulas, intraoral hai rs) and donor sites (wound healing, scar width and length, sensory and moto r disturbance) (n = 44) were checked clinically Postoperative swallowing wa s investigated via videofluorography (n = 11). RESULTS: The lateral upper aim flap showed low donor site morbidity, primar y closure was achieved in all but one case. Sensory deficit at the proximal forearm (n = 27) occurred without any case of compromise of radial nerve f unction. Videofluorography allows for objective evaluation of swallowing fu nction. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral upper arm flap is the reconstruction of first choi ce for intraoral defects due to its low donor site morbidity.