The Tai Chi Flap: A Novel Design for the Radial Forearm Flap.

Abstract

Tai Chi is an ancient philosophy used to explain the universe. The Tai Chi symbol is represented by Yin/Yang fishes. The authors describe a novel radial forearm flap (RFF) design for the reconstruction of circular defects based on the Tai Chi symbol. Eleven consecutive patients with craniofacial skin or mucus defects underwent reconstruction with a Tai Chi RFF. Patient perioperative and follow-up information was collected. The diameter of the Tai Chi RFF was 5 to 6 cm. All flaps healed uneventfully without ischemic problems, and all donor site defects were closed primarily without skin grafts. Remarkably, 2 patients received a tattoo to mark the Tai Chi symbol and greatly appreciate the shape of the flap. The Tai Chi flap is an economically friendly flap design that can be used to prevent skin grafts while providing psychological comfort to patients.