Fundamental of Radial Forearm Flap

The radial forearm flap is classified as a type C fasciocutaneous flap by Cormack and Lamberty and a type B flap with a septocutaneous perforator by Mathes and Nahai’s 1997 classification. It is highly versatile due to its main irrigation through the radial artery and its minor pedicles, it offers a wide variety of alternatives for reconstruction, not only for proximal or distal defects of the arm but it is also possible to use it as a free flap as a reconstructive alternative in head and neck, posterior portion of the trunk, lower extremity, esophagus, and penis reconstruction. It allows the incorporation of bone, tendons, nerves, and muscles to repair complex injuries, and can be used with direct flow or retrograde flow. With these versatile qualities, the forearm flap has become one of the most frequently used for free tissue transfers.