biostudies-literatureFassler CVanderbilt Clinical Oncology Research Career Development Program3149-3157https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12371775biostudies-literatureUnknown135(9)<h4>Objectives</h4>The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) is used for the reconstruction of bony head and neck defects. Being a weight-bearing bone, precise harvesting of the radius is required to maintain structural integrity, postoperative forearm function, and to prevent postoperative fracture. A radius cutting guide may allow head and neck surgeons to be more precise and confident in performing bony harvest, and may improve allocation of orthopedic specialist resources.<h4>Methods</h4>A custom radius cutting guide was developed in an iterative process with six head and neck surgeons and one hand surgeon. Following design approval, a prospective feasibility study was conducted. Patient-specific cutting guides were created using pre-operative upper-extremity computed tomography (CT) scans. The length and cross-sectional width of harvested radius bone were measured. The length of time using the guide was recorded. Providers were surveyed to assess their perception of cutting guide utility.<h4>Results</h4>A total of eight patients were enrolled, and the cutting guide was used successfully in seven patients. The mean length of the radius harvested was 77.1 ± 13.8 mm. The mean cross-sectional width of the radius planned for harvest was 11.7 ± 1.7 mm. The mean width of the bone harvested was 12.1 ± 1.2 mm, with a mean difference of + 0.81 mm. The mean total time using the guide was 12.94 min (range 10.0-20.1 min). Survey respondents (n = 7) agreed that the guide did not interfere with their ability to harvest radius bone (mean response 9.0 ± 1.3) and that they would utilize the guide in practice (9.4 ± 1.1).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Patient-specific cutting guides for OCRFFF harvest are feasible and may improve head and neck reconstructive surgeons' comfort with harvest.<h4>Level of evidence: 3</h4>The LaryngoscopeDevelopment of a Cutting Guide for Osteocutaneous Radial Forearm Free Flap Harvest.PMC12371775K12 NCI 2K12CA090625-22A1Colazo JMFassler CJin WRosenthal ELangerman AJWeikert DMannion KTopf MCLuther LSinard RRohde SMiller AfalseDevelopment of a Cutting Guide for Osteocutaneous Radial Forearm Free Flap Harvest.<h4>Objectives</h4>The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) is used for the reconstruction of bony head and neck defects. Being a weight-bearing bone, precise harvesting of the radius is required to maintain structural integrity, postoperative forearm function, and to prevent postoperative fracture. A radius cutting guide may allow head and neck surgeons to be more precise and confident in performing bony harvest, and may improve allocation of orthopedic specialist resources.<h4>Methods</h4>A custom radius cutting guide was developed in an iterative process with six head and neck surgeons and one hand surgeon. Following design approval, a prospective feasibility study was conducted. Patient-specific cutting guides were created using pre-operative upper-extremity computed tomography (CT) scans. The length and cross-sectional width of harvested radius bone were measured. The length of time using the guide was recorded. Providers were surveyed to assess their perception of cutting guide utility.<h4>Results</h4>A total of eight patients were enrolled, and the cutting guide was used successfully in seven patients. The mean length of the radius harvested was 77.1 ± 13.8 mm. The mean cross-sectional width of the radius planned for harvest was 11.7 ± 1.7 mm. The mean width of the bone harvested was 12.1 ± 1.2 mm, with a mean difference of + 0.81 mm. The mean total time using the guide was 12.94 min (range 10.0-20.1 min). Survey respondents (n = 7) agreed that the guide did not interfere with their ability to harvest radius bone (mean response 9.0 ± 1.3) and that they would utilize the guide in practice (9.4 ± 1.1).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Patient-specific cutting guides for OCRFFF harvest are feasible and may improve head and neck reconstructive surgeons' comfort with harvest.<h4>Level of evidence: 3</h4>2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-05-08T06:49:14.513Z2026-04-07T23:31:13.687ZS-EPMC123717754020224710.1002/lary.32117