Anterolateral Thigh Island Flap

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To present the author's experience using the anterolateral thigh island flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the hip and perineum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proximal based anterolateral thigh island flaps were performed to reconstruct the soft tissue defects at the perineum (3 patients) and the greater trochanter of the hip (one patient) in 4 patients. All patients were male. Mean age was 43 years (range, 32 to 50 years) and mean follow-up was 8 months (range, 6 to 13 months). The causes of the defects were traffic accident in 2 cases, necrotizing fasciitis 1 case, and pressure sore 1 case. Average size of the flap was 14x9 cm. Fasciocutaneous flaps were performed in 3 patients and musculocutaneous flap was performed in one patient. RESULTS: All flaps were survived. There were no necrosis of the flaps. One flap presented venous congestion after surgery, which resolved with the decompression of the pedicle. Reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh island flap resulted in no recurrence of the infection or ulcer and good esthetic contour. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral thigh island flap is a reliable flap for reconstruction around the perineum and hip joint.