ABSTRACT
The authors present the osteocutaneous upper arm flap as useful in segmental microsurgical
mandibular reconstructions. This flap presents several advantages: easy and rapid
dissection; a long and reliable pedicle; excellent segmental blood supply to the bone,
allowing multiple osteotomies; remarkable mobility of the skin paddle relating to
the underlying bone; and minimal donor-site morbidity. Among its few disadvantages
are that the bone is predominantly cortical, and the bone shaft cannot exceed 11 ×
2 cm. Nevertheless, this flap is an excellent alternative to conventional procedures,
when a segmental reconstruction, requiring short bone segments and skin, is required.
Eight consecutive clinical cases have been successfully treated and are reported.
