Expanding the applications of the pedicled anterolateral thigh and vastus lateralis myocutaneous flaps

Ann Plast Surg. 2012 Dec;69(6):643-9. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3182749d31.

Abstract

We describe our experience in expanding the use of pedicled anterolateral thigh and vastus lateralis myocutaneous flaps. A total of 33 patients underwent 34 flaps between March 2003 and January 2012. The defects included 18 ischial, 3 trochanteric, 5 lower abdomen, 2 perineogenital, 1 groin, and 5 knee defects. There were 29 proximal pedicled (2 of which were preexpanded), 3 distal pedicled, and 2 propeller flaps. Complications included 1 total necrosis, 1 partial necrosis, 3 wound dehiscence in recipient site, 1 hematoma, and 1 donor-site dehiscence. The total flap survival rate was 94%. There were no donor-site morbidities except poor cosmesis in the skin-grafted sites. Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap is highly versatile with a wide arc of rotation. A proximal pedicled flap can be used for lower abdomen, perineogenital, ischial, and trochanteric defects and the distal pedicled or a propeller flap for knee and proximal lower leg defects.

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / surgery
  • Adult
  • Castration / adverse effects
  • Contracture / surgery
  • Female
  • Fournier Gangrene / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Pressure Ulcer / surgery
  • Quadriceps Muscle / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps* / adverse effects
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / etiology
  • Thigh / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome