Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2017, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (6): 676-680.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2017.06.017

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Flow-through anterolateral thigh flap for the treatment of lower limbs wounds

DENG Wei,JU Ji-hui,LI Lei,ZHOU Zheng-hu,ZHENG Bin-bing,ZHAO Dong-yang   

  1. Department of Hand Surgery, Affiliated Ruihua Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215104,China
  • Received:2017-03-20 Online:2017-11-25 Published:2017-12-30

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of flow-through anterolateral thigh flap in repairing skin and soft tissue defect of lower limbs. Methods From August 2014 to December 2016, 12 cases of lower limbs skin and soft tissue defect with bone or internal fixation exposed patients were treated in our department. They were 8 men and 4 women, aged from 7 to 66 years. Application of flow-through anterolateral thigh flap transplantation of leg wound in 8 cases, 3 cases of ankle wounds, 1 cases of foot wound, The mean artery defect was 10cm in length(from 5 to 16cm),The proximal and distal end of the quadriceps artery were respectively anastomosed to the proximal and distal end of the recipient artery. The area of the flap was from 5 cm×6 cm to 12cm×30cm, The donor site were directly sutured or repaired by full-thickness skin grafting. Results All patients were followed up from 3 months to 24 months (average 8 months); all of the flaps survived completely with a soft tissue texture, and the flow-through artery was unobstructed. One case developed venous thrombosis on the first day of postoperation, one developed local flap necrosis after the operation, which all were treated with operative exploration or dressing change, cured with none of the performance of venous insufficiency. Conclusion The flow-through anterolateral thigh flap is an ideal method to repair the skin and soft tissue defects of the lower limbs, and do not sacrifice the main artery of the recipient area.

Key words: Anterolateral thigh flap; Flow-through; Lower limbs; Skin and soft tissue defect