ABSTRACT: Information about the use and donor site morbidity of periosteal free flaps in head and neck reconstruction is limited. The aim of this study was to examine potential periosteal free flap donor sites with respect to their dimensions, tissue and pedicle characteristics, and predicted donor site morbidity in a cadaveric model. The following cadaveric periosteal specimens with a vascular pedicle were harvested using standard surgical approaches: skull, chest wall, sternum, scapula, iliac crest, femur, and humerus. Data relating to the periosteum size and quality, vascular pedicle, surgical factors, feasibility of use, and the potential donor-site morbidity were recorded. One female (age: 78 years, height: 152 cm) and one male (age: 65 years, height: 186 cm) cadaver were used for flap harvest. The skull, chest wall, scapula, and femur were suitable in terms of the size of the periosteum harvested. The procedure to remove the periosteum from the scalp, chest wall, and scapula had the least predicted donor-site morbidity. The pedicle length and vessel caliber from the periosteal flaps were most favorable from the skull, scapula, and iliac crest. Considering all factors, the periosteum harvested from the skull and scapula were the most promising.
