Lateral arm free flap in oral cavity reconstruction: A functional evaluation

✍ Scribed by Hani S. Matloub; Dr. David L. Larson; Joan C. Kuhn; N. John Yousif; James R. Sanger

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1989
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 639 KB
• Volume: 11
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-3074
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.2880110303

✦ Synopsis

By use of sophisticated techniques now available from the science of Speech Pathology, we can now document, quantify, and critically analyze the surgeon's reconstructive efforts in the oral cavity. Using these methods, we have evaluated the neurotized lateral arm free flap in six patients receiving oral reconstruction. Two of these are reported in detail. This study has provided a protocol that results in the objective analysis of swallowing, articulation, and range of tongue motion and sensation. All of these tests can be routinely performed by a speech pathologist to document both operative performance as well as patient progress in speech and swallowing. It would appear that we have quantified evidence that the neurotized lateral arm free flap may represent a significant step forward in reducing the morbidity of total and subtotal glossectomy by providing a truly functional reconstruction. HEAD 81 NECK 11: [205][206][207][208][209][210][211] 1989 Since McGregor'sl 1962 description of the forehead flap to restore intraoral integrity after cancer ablation, the head and neck surgeon has been blessed by a virtual explosion of knowledge in both the anatomic and communicative sciences.