Soft Tissue Reconstruction Using Anterolateral Thigh Flap with Fascia Lata Component

PURPOSE: The anterolateral thigh flap is versatile flap for soft-tissue reconstruction for defects located at various sites of the body. This useful flap offers a thick and vascular fascia lata component with large amounts that can be soft tissue coverage for different reconstructive purposes. We present our clinical experience with the use of vascular fascia lata, combined with anterolateral thigh flap for various reconstructive goals. METHODS: From April 2008 to February 2011, we transferred anterolateral thigh flaps with fascia lata component to reconstruct soft-tissue defects for different purposes in 11 patients. The fascia lata component of the flap was used for tendon gliding surface in hand/forearm reconstruction in 4 patients, for reconstruction medial and lateral patellar synovial membrane and retinaculum in 2 patients, for reconstruction of plantar aponeurosis in the foot in 2 patients, for reconstruction of fascial and peritoneal defect in the abdominal wall in 2 patient, and for dural defect reconstruction in the scalp in the remaining one. RESULTS: Complete loss of the flap was not seen in all cases. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 2 patients. These complications were treated successfully with minimal surgical debridement and dressing. Infection occurred in 1 patient. In this case, intravenous antibiotics treatment was effective. CONCLUSION: Anterolateral thigh flap has thick vascular fascia with large amounts. This fascial component of the flap is useful for different reconstructive aims, such as for tendon, ligament, aponeurosis defects, abdominal wall or dura reconstruction. It should be considerated as an important advantage of the flap, together with other well-known advantages.

Closed Reduction of Zygomatic Arch Fracture with Intraoperative Mobile Computed Tomography Scan

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the usefulness of intraoperative mobile CT scans in the reduction of zygomatic arch fracture. Method: Two patients with zygomatic arch fractures were selected who were indications of closed reduction by Gilles' approach. After the reduction was done in the operating room with zygomatic arch elevator, intraoperative CT scan was done to check the extent of reduction. Additional reduction was performed according to the obtained images from the intraoperative mobile CT scan. Examination of the preoperative CT, intraoperative CT after the reduction, and postoperative plain X-ray films were done for documentation and analysis. RESULTS: Reduction was carried out successfully to the patients without any complications. Both patients were satisfied with the postoperative cosmetic and functional outcome. Revisional surgery was not necessary during the 6 months follow up. CONCLUSION: The advantage of this method is that it is easier to obtain three dimensional relationships of the fracture site. Furthermore, the operator is less exposed to radiation hazards compared to other methods that obtain intraoperative images such as the C-arm. In conclusion, intraoperative mobile CT scan can be a useful surgical aid in the reduction of zygomatic arch fractures.

Extensor Tendon Gliding Surface Reconstruction Using Adipoascia Extended Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap: Case Report

PURPOSE: In reconstructing a defect on the dorsum of the hand, there are many cases of extensor tendons exposed or even missing. The repaired or reconstructed tendons need relevant gliding environment for good functional recovery. The anterolateral thigh flap offers a vascular fascial component with large amounts that can be used for covering exposed tendons and we report a unique case of single-stage hand dorsum and gliding surface reconstruction. METHODS: A 35-year-old man had severe post-traumatic scarring in his left dorsal hand and coverage of the flap with split-thickness skin graft has been done before. After scarred skin excision and extensor tendon graft for missed part, a free anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap was used to resurface the hand dorsum and to reconstruct a two-layer gliding surface of the extensor tendons. The extensor tendons were wrapped in the fascial component with the fat layer inside. RESULTS: He had an uneventful postoperative course without infection, dehiscence and flap necrosis. Good overall functional recovery and tendon excursion were observed. He was also satisfied with postoperative appearance. CONCLUSION: A free anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap was used successfully for reconstruction of a two-layer tendon gliding surface to treat a patient with severe scarring in the dorsal hand.