Repair of dorsal skin defects of the foot with nerved anterolateral thigh flap / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the use of anterolateral thigh flap for the repair of large defects of soft tissues in dorsum of the foot.Methods A total of 38 cases of dorsal skin defects of the foot was repaired with the anterolateral thigh flap containing the lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.Corresponding vessels and sensory nerves were anastomosed. Results The flaps survived in all the cases.The sensation in dorsum of the foot recovered completely within 2~4 months after operation and the touch,pain,and temperature sensation of the donor area recovered within 3~6 months after operation.Follow-up observations in the 38 cases for 4~18 months(mean,9 months) showed flaps with normal color,texture,and appearance.Conclusions It is recommended to repair large-scale defects in dorsum of the foot with nerved anterolateral thigh flap.