Anterolateral thigh flap for trauma reconstruction

Abstract

High velocity injuries have traditionally been covered with free muscle flaps. We sought to evaluate the utility of the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) flap as a primary choice in reconstructing traumatic injuries in Western patients.A retrospective chart review was conducted of 122 patients treated at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and at the Louisiana State University Trauma Center. Data collected included defect size, donor site location, flap composition and size, number of anastamoses, number of perforators, donor site closure, and complications.A total of 127 ALT flap reconstructions were performed. About 74% involved the lower extremity, 12% head and neck, 11% upper extremity, 2% abdomen, <1% chest, and <1% pelvis. The success rate was 96% with 3 total flap failures and 2 partial flap failures. Average follow-up was 9.3 months.The results of this review confirm that the ALT flap is a reliable, versatile tool for managing composite traumatic injuries.