A Standardized Approach for Photography of Radial Forearm Free Flap Donor Site Scars

We have found the described device to be of extreme value in obtaining standardized photographs of radial forearm skin graft sites following free flap reconstruction for surgical defects of the head and neck. As a by-product of this newly designed photography system, we also have been able to work toward the development of a standardized method of evaluating scars as an important component of measuring outcome.4,5 This goal has been achieved through the direct evaluation of photographs gathered using rigorous psychophysical scaling methodology. In the future, photographs obtained with this apparatus will prove invaluable as we move to validate a new visual assessment tool for area scars within the clinical setting. At present, this novel apparatus has permitted us to develop and maintain a standardized method of photography, and this has clearly facilitated our ability to pursue clinical trials that investigate the effects of experimental interventions on wound healing in area scars such as the radial forearm skin graft site. In closing, it is essential to gather any photographic evidence of forearm scars using a simple yet standard and easily replicable method. Based on the design of our device, this goal has been successfully achieved and has allowed us to move forward in further investigations of changes in postsurgical defects secondary to RFFF harvest. © 2011 The Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.