Reconstruction of multiple long digital and hand defects using the multilobed anterolateral thigh perforator flap.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the reconstruction of multiple long digital and hand defects using the multilobed anterolateral thigh perforator flap. METHODS: From January 2018 to January 2021, 14 patients (hands) with multiple long digital defects were treated using the multilobed anterolateral thigh perforator flap. The mean age of the patients was 35 years (range, 18-55 years). The mean size (length × width) of the defects was 12.3 × 10.6 cm (range, 9 × 7 cm-16 × 12 cm). The mean size of the flap was 13.7 × 12.1 cm (range, 11 × 8 cm-19 × 14 cm). The total active motion was compared to the opposite side (100% normal, excellent; 75%-99% normal, good; 50%-74% normal, fair; <50% normal, poor). RESULTS: In this series, 12 flaps survived completely. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 2 patients but healed with wound care. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range, 25-34 months). Based on the total active motion scoring system, we got 1 excellent, 7 good, 7 fair, and 1 poor result. A second surgery to separate the digits was not required. CONCLUSION: Multiple digital and hand defects can be reconstructed simultaneously using the multilobed anterolateral thigh perforator flap, allowing a length-to-width ratio of greater than 1.5:1 to resurface long digital defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Reconstruction of Giant Defects Due to Electrical and Radiation Burns in the Lower Leg with Free Anterolateral Thigh Flaps.

The purpose of this study was to introduce reconstruction of giant soft tissue defects of the lower leg caused by high-voltage electrical burns and radiation burns using the free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. From March 2017 to January 2018, 6 patients who sustained high-voltage electrical burns and 2 patients who sustained ulcerated radiation burns were reconstructed using the free ALT flap. The mean size of the defects was 19 cm × 32 cm (range, 18 cm × 22 cm to 30 cm × 36 cm). The mean size of the flaps was 22 cm × 34 cm (range, 20 cm × 24 cm to 32 cm × 38 cm). All flaps survived completely. The mean preoperative Functional Analysis Technique Evaluation score was 62 (range, 43 to 74). The mean follow-up period was 16 months (range, 12 to 18 months). At the final follow-up, the mean postoperative score was 90 (range, 86 to 94). The mean improvement was 33% (range, 17% to 54%) with 4 excellent and 4 good results. For extensive, high-voltage electrical, and radiation burns encompassing the lower leg, early treating the giant soft tissue defects with a free ALT flap produces good functional outcomes without significant complications.

Repair of lower extremity soft tissue defect with free musculo-cutaneous flaps bridging with healthy contralateral posterior tibial vessel / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effects of free musculo-cutaneous flap bridging with contralateral posterior tibial vessel on repair of lower extremity soft tissue defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2006 to June 2013, 10 patients with soft tissue defect on lower shank and foot were included. The posterior tibial vessel on healthy lower extremity was chosen as recipient vessel and anastomosed with free latissimus dorsi musculo-cutaneous flap, or free latissimus dorsi musculo-cutaneous flap combined with thoracic-umbilical skin flap or anterolateral femoral musculo-cutaneous flap. The retrograde bridged flap was transposed to repair defect on contralateral lower shank and foot. The wound area ranged from 40 cm x 21 cm to 22 cm x 15 cm, with flap size from 48 cm x 26 cm to 25 cm x 18 cm. Meanwhile the defects on donor sites were covered with skin graft and both lower extremities were fixed with kirschner wires at middle tibia and calcaneus. The kirschner wires were removed at 4 weeks and pedicles were cut off 5-8 weeks postoperatively. Six patients received posterior tibial vessel reanastomosis at the same time of pedicle cutting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the 10 flaps survived and 3 patients received thinning of flaps due to excessive thickness. During the follow-up period of 3 months to 2 years follow up, the ambulatory function of injured legs recovered gradually with satisfactory appearance. The reanastomosed posterior tibial vessel on the healthy side was recovered.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Appropriate bridged musculo-cutaneous flaps is suitable for extensive soft tissue defect of lower shank and foot. It is a safe and effective method for limb salvage.</p>