title: Blood perfusion of the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap: its beneficial effect in the reconstruction of infected wounds in the lower extremity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In a prospective study, we evaluated the blood perfusion and the blood flow of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap by both near-infrared spectroscopy and color Doppler ultrasonography. Moreover, we assessed the ability of the perforator flap to reconstruct infected wounds of the lower extremity in 11 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Near-infrared spectroscopy showed excellent oxygen saturation, and Doppler ultrasonography documented excellent blood flow and decreased vascular resistance in the ALT flap postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All flaps were successful and all wounds healed uneventfully within 2 weeks without any signs of recurrences or persistent infection. All patients achieved acceptable gait function after rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Apart from the mandatory role of thorough debridement, our results indicate that the ALT flap offers rich blood supply to the recipient area, thus contributing to the sterilization and healing of an infected wound within a short time period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery - Microsurgery, Burn Center J. Ioannovich, General State Hospital of Athens G. Gennimatas, 154 Messogion Avenue, Athens, Greece 15427. gravvani@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gravvanis
authors.forename: Dimosthenis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tsoutsos
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Karakitsos
authors.forename: Thomais
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iconomou
authors.forename: Othon
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Papadopoulos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D014655:Vascular Resistance; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000601:surgery*