title: Tensor fascia latae perforator flap: An alternative reconstructive choice for anterolateral thigh flap when no sizable skin perforator is available.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is a versatile flap and very useful for the reconstruction of different anatomical districts. The main disadvantage of this flap is the anatomical variability in number and location of perforators. In general, absence of perforators is extremely rare. In literature, it is reported to be from 0.89% to 5.4%. If no sizable perforators are found, an alternative reconstructive strategy must be considered. Tensor fascia lata (TFL) perforator flap can be a good alternative in these cases: Perforator vessels are always present, the anatomy is more constant and it is possible to harvest it through the same surgical access. The skin island of the flap can be very large and can be thinned removing a large part of the muscle allowing its use for almost the same indications of the ALT flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report 11 cases of reconstruction firstly planned with the ALT flap, then converted into TFL perforator flap.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The result was always satisfactory in terms of the donor site morbidity and reconstructive outcome.
authors: Department of Plastic Surgery, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Contedini
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Negosanti
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Pinto
authors: Beatrice
authors: B
authors: Tavaniello
authors: Erich
authors: E
authors: Fabbri
authors: Rossella
authors: R
authors: Sgarzani
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Tassone
authors: Riccardo
authors: R
authors: Cipriani
keywords: Anterolateral thigh flap; perforator flap; tensor fascia lata
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