Advertisement
-
1
Song YG, Chen GZ, Song YL: The free thigh flap: a new free flap concept based on the septocutaneous artery. Br J Plast Surg 37: 149, 1984.
-
2
Koshima I, Fukuda H, Utunomiya R, et al.: The anterolateral thigh flap: variations in its vascular pedicle. Br J Plast Surg 42: 260, 1989.
-
3
Koshima I, Fukuda H, Yamamoto H, et al.: Free anterolateral thigh flaps for reconstruction of head and neck defects. Plast Reconstr Surg 92: 421, 1993.
-
4
Koshima I, Yamamoto H, Hosoda M, et al.: Free combined composite flaps using the lateral circumflex femoral system for repair of massive defects of the head and neck regions: an introduction to the chimeric flap principle. Plast Reconstr Surg 92: 411, 1993.
-
5
Thomas WW, Calcagno HE, Azzi J, et al.: Incidence of inadequate perforators and salvage options for the anterior lateral thigh free flap. Laryngoscope 130: 343, 2020.
-
6
Wei FC, Jain V, Celik N, et al.: Have we found an ideal soft-tissue flap? An experience with 672 anterolateral thigh flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 109: 2219, 2002.
-
7
Celik N, Wei FC, Lin CH, et al.: Technique and strategy in anterolateral thigh perforator flap surgery, based on an analysis of 15 complete and partial failures in 439 cases. Plast Reconstr Surg 109: 2211, 2002.
-
8
Yildirim S, Gideroğlu K, Akoz T: Anterolateral thigh flap: ideal free flap choice for lower extremity soft-tissue reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg 19: 225, 2003.
-
9
Musharafieh R, Macari G, Hayek S, et al.: Rectus abdominis free-tissue transfer in lower extremity reconstruction: review of 40 cases. J Reconstr Microsurg 16: 341, 2000.
-
10
Koshima I, Saisho H, Kawada S, et al.: Flow-through thin latissimus dorsi perforator flap for repair of soft-tissue defects in the legs. Plast Reconstr Surg 103: 1483, 1999.
-
11
Nahai F, Hill L, Hester TR: Experiences with the tensor fascia lata flap. Plast Reconstr Surg 63: 788, 1979.
-
12
Rautio J, Asko-Seljavaara S, Laasonen L, et al.: Suitability of the scapular flap for reconstructions of the foot. Plast Reconstr Surg 85: 922, 1990.
-
13
Kimata Y, Uchiyama K, Ebihara S, et al.: Anatomic variations and technical problems of the anterolateral thigh flap: a report of 74 cases. Plast Reconstr Surg 102: 1517, 1998.
-
14
Demirtas Y, Neimetzade T, Kelahmetoglu O, et al.: Free anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of car tire injuries of children’s feet. Foot Ankle Int 31: 47, 2010.
Is the Anterolateral Thigh Flap the Solution for Orthopedic Trauma Complication Reconstructions?: A Case Series
Search for other papers by Kaan Gürbüz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Fatih Doğar in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Yalçın Yontar in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, which can be applied as a free or pedicled flap, is supplied by musculocutaneous or septocutaneous perforators belonging to the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Because local or regional flap options that can be used for the reconstruction of large tissue losses in the distal third of the tibia and foot are limited, ALT and other free flaps are frequently used when needed. The aim of this report is to present our experience with and clinical results of free ALT flaps in a tertiary health-care institution. Between June of 2017 and April of 2020, lower extremity reconstruction with free ALT flaps was performed in seven patients. In the preoperative period, dominant perforators were determined in each patient by Doppler ultrasonography, and surgery was planned considering the size and localization of the defect. All the patients were men, with an average age of 41.7 years. Three patients were operated on for implant exposition on the distal-medial third of the tibia after fracture repair, one patient for posttraumatic calcaneal deformity with osteomyelitis, and two patients because of localized posttraumatic tissue loss in the anterior aspect of the tibia and one patient in the dorsum of the foot. Secondary recovery was achieved in two patients and localized linear necrosis was observed at the flap suture line. No infection was observed in the donor or recipient site. In all patients, the donor site was closed primarily and no wound healing problem was encountered. This is one of the primary reconstruction options for the free ALT flap, especially in cases of large tissue losses in which local and/or regional flap alternatives are insufficient.
