The preexpanded anterolateral thigh free flap.
The anterolateral thigh flap has many of the attributes of the ideal soft-tissue flap. However, a major detriment is the potential conspicuous donor site deformity, especially if skin grafted. In elective situations, preexpansion of the lateral thigh with subsequent transfer of even a wide anterolateral thigh flap can permit primary donor site closure and avoidance of a skin graft. This has been achieved successfully in 2 compliant patients, and is a reasonable solution to minimize the morbidity of this otherwise important donor site.
Division of Plastic Surgery, The Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, USA. pbhallock@cs.com
Geoffrey G
GG
Hallock
D002056:Burns / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013848:Thigh; D015626:Tissue Expansion