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

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.