The vascular pedicle of the anterolateral thigh flap as an alternative recipient site for thigh free flaps.
The indications for a free flap for thigh defects are relatively uncommon. Regardless, a reasonable recipient site will always be of paramount importance. The major femoral vessels, usually accessed via the medial thigh, would be a conventional selection. If these are at risk within the zone of injury, or if the defect is more lateral, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels might be a more suitable alternative. The surgical approach is virtually identical to that used to raise the familiar anterolateral thigh flap, where in a similar fashion a long pedicle of large caliber can be obtained to simplify end-to-end microanastomoses. This has proven to be an invaluable resource as demonstrated in two clinical cases.
Hallock
Geoffrey G
GG
Division of Plastic Surgery, The Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003646:Debridement; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013848:Thigh / Q000293:injuries*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery