Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2024, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 549-554.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2024.5.10

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A retrospective clinical study of 41 cases of distally based anterolateral thigh flaps based on a new classification

Du Qingyan1, Zang Mengqing1, Zhu Shan1, Tong Dedi2, Li Shanshan1, Chen Zixiang1, Liu Yuanbo1*   

  1. 1. Department of Scar and Wound Treatment, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China; 2. Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China
  • Received:2024-07-30 Online:2024-09-25 Published:2024-10-21

Abstract: Objective   To investigate the characteristics and surgical attentions of the distally-based anterolateral thigh (dALT) flap in order to improve the success rate of operation.   Methods   A retrospective analysis of 41 patients treated from November 2010 to February 2023 to repair soft tissue defects around the knee joint with dALT flaps. The dALT flap was classified into type I, type II, or type III based on the origin (the descending, oblique, or transverse branch) of the chosen perforator. The vascular pedicle length, repaired defect location, and flap outcome of different types were compared.    Results    The type Ⅰ flap had a shorter vascular pedicle that primarily reached closer regions (distal third of the thigh and anterior/lateral knee) (62.5%,15/24). Type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ flaps had longer pedicles that mostly reached more distal regions (medial/posterior knee and proximal third of the leg) (84.7%, 11/13; 100.0%, 4/4). However, the type Ⅲ flaps had higher complication rate (50.0%) and flap necrosis rate (25.0%).   Conclusions   To achieve more desirable outcomes using the dALT flap, preoperative assessment of vascular pedicle length and proper intraoperative maneuvers that avoid compromising the reverse blood circulation are necessary. 

Key words: Anterolateral thigh flap,  ,  , Perforator flap,  ,  , Retrograde flap,  ,  , Soft-tissue reconstruction, Lower extremity

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