Use of Innovative Technologies in Pediatric Lower Extremity Reconstruction.
The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap has proven to be a reliable option for the coverage of soft tissue defects in adults and more recently in the pediatric population. When considering the use of the ALT flap in the pediatric patient, there are few studies that detail techniques specific to pediatric free flap management. We present a unique case of a 14- × 8-cm ALT flap used for traumatic wound coverage in a distal tibial injury in a 6-year-old girl. This case highlights innovative techniques in pediatric perioperative free flap monitoring and the use of continuous external tissue expansion to achieve delayed primary closure of the donor site.
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY; and Albany Medical College, Albany, NY.
Paschalia M
PM
Mountziaris
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY; and Albany Medical College, Albany, NY.
Carol E
CE
Soteropulos
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY; and Albany Medical College, Albany, NY.
Kristen M
KM
Rezak
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY; and Albany Medical College, Albany, NY.
Ashit
A
Patel