Radiation necrosis of the pharyngeal soft tissue: Unique clinical entity reconstructed with a previously unreported composite brachioradialis and flexor digitorum superficialis radial forearm flap

Abstract

Background The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a versatile flap commonly used in head and neck reconstructive surgery. We describe the use of a composite RFFF that includes muscle for reconstruction of a hostile wound of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Methods A 54‐year‐old male with a history of recurrent right palatine tonsil HPV+ squamous cell carcinoma developed severe soft tissue necrosis of the posterior pharyngeal wall secondary to reirradiation. The defect was reconstructed with a composite RFFF that included the brachioradialis (BR) muscle and the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle. Results Restoration of this complex defect was successfully accomplished with minimal donor site functional deficits and satisfactory functional outcomes including decannulation and resumption of oral intake. Conclusion This composite RFFF can be effectively used to reconstruct a hostile wound of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Incorporation of muscle in the reconstruction of complex wounds with soft tissue necrosis is beneficial.