Abstract
Introduction and Methods The glabrous, thin, and pliable texture of lateral arm flap with no loss of any axial
vessel of the limb renders it a good choice for hemiglossectomy defect reconstruction.
The main caveat of this flap harvest is the loss of sensation in the distribution
of posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve (PABCN). In this article, we present two
strategic sites and techniques to preserve the integrity of PABCN and at the same
time harvesting lateral arm flap with a lengthy lower lateral cutaneous nerve of arm
for the neurotization. The outcome of this function-preserving neurotized lateral
arm free flap in the reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects is analyzed and presented
in this article.
Results Ninety percent of the patients attained grade 3 score in objective assessment, leading
to a significant p-value of 0.02 with this technique. All had preservation of sensation in the distribution
of PABCN.
Conclusion Our technique of harvest and neurotization has brought good functional recovery of
the oral cavity with preservation of PABCN.
Keywords
lateral arm flap - neurotized flap - posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve - fascicular
dissection - hemiglossectomy
