Practical Tips for Harvesting Radial Forearm Free Flap

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has been used to reconstruct head and neck defects since it was first described by Yang et al. over 30 years ago. Although it is commonly used as a fasciocutaneous flap, it has also been described as an adipofascial and/or osteocutaneous flap by harvesting a portion of the radius. Due to its predictable anatomy, the RFFF is considered a relatively easy flap to harvest, and the location on the extremity allows for the feasibility of a two-team approach. Various surgical sequences have been described; however, the main principles remain the same. The purpose of this chapter is to review pearls and pitfalls for harvesting radial forearm free flap.