An ideal and versatile material for soft-tissue coverage: experiences with most modifications of the anterolateral thigh flap

Abstract

Free anterolateral thigh flaps are a popular flap used for the reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. From April, 2002 to June, 2003, 32 free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct soft-tissue defects. Twenty-three of these flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction, and nine were used for head and neck reconstruction. There were 24 male and eight female patients, with ages between nine and 82 years. The size of the flaps ranged from 11 to 32 cm in length and 6 to 18 cm in width. Five flaps required reoperation for vascular compromise in four patients and for twisting of the pedicle in another patient. While four of these were salvaged, one flap was lost due to recipient vessel problems. Musculocutaneous perforators were found in 23 cases, and septocutaneous perforators were found in nine cases. In four cases, thinning of the flap was performed. The flap was used as a flow-through type for lower extremity reconstruction in three patients. In two patients, the flap was used as a neurosensory type for foot reconstruction. Eighteen cases underwent split-thickness skin grafting of the donor site and, in the remaining cases, the donor sites were closed primarily. In three patients, the donor areas required a partial skin regrafting procedure. No infections or hematomas were observed. Despite some variations in its vascular anatomy, the anterolateral thigh flap offers the following advantages: 1) it has a long and large-caliber vascular pedicle; 2) it has a wide, reliable skin paddle; 3) it may be harvested as a neurosensory flap; 4) it can be harvested whether its pedicle is septocutaneous or musculocutaneous; 5) it can be designed as a flow-through flap; 6) it can be elevated as a thin or musculocutaneous flap; and 7) the procedure can be performed by two teams working simultaneously, and no positional changes are required.