Anterolateral thigh perforator flap bridging superficial circumflex iliac artery flap for the treatment of complex limb wound / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the application and clinical outcomes of anterolateral thigh perforator flap bridging different superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps for the treatment of complex limb wound.Methods Data of 10 patients,who had undergone free tissue transfer of anterolateral thigh perforator flap bridging different superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps (iliac osteocutaneous flap,iliac crest flap and ilioinguinal flap) for the complex limb wound from March 2009 to January 2011,were retrospectively analyzed.There were 9 males and 1 female,aged from 21 to 57 years (average,39.7 years).Iliac osteocutaneous flap was used in 7 patients,iliac crest flap in 2 patients and ilioinguinal flap in 1 patient.The free tissue transfer was performed for hand reconstruction in 3 cases,foot reconstruction in 4 cases and leg reconstruction in 3 cases.The mean size of soft tissue defect was 20 cm × 9.7 cm.Results The mean size of the anterolateral thigh flap and the ilioinguinal flap was 17.8 cm×9.4 cm and 8.4 cm×4.5 cm,respectively.The mean volume of iliac crest was 5.4 cm×2.1 cm×0.8 cm,and the mean length of flow-through conduit was 10.5 cm.Except for the distal necrosis of iliac osteocutaneous flap in 1 case,which were treated by dressing change and skin grafting,the other flaps survived without complications.All patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months (average,12 months).The average bone union time was 3 months in the hand group,4 months in the foot group,and 4.5 months in the leg group.The disabilities of the arm,shoulder,and hand questionnaire score averaged 43,the mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association's foot rating scale was 71.3,and the mean Puno's functional score was 91.Donor site scars were mostly flat,pale and soft but widened in the thigh in 6 patients and in the ilioinguinal region in 3 patients,and numbness was reported in 2 patients.Conclusion In clinical situation that requires for coverage of complex and extensive limb defects,the free tissue transfer of anterolateral thigh perforator flap bridging superficial circumflex iliac artery flap is a better method,which can meet specific reconstructive demands with minimal donor site morbidity.However,a relative high risk has to be considered.