The Vascular Pedicle of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap as an Alternative Recipient Site for Thigh Free
May 1st, 2008 | by admin |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 GG.
Division of Plastic Surgery, The Lehigh Valley Hospitals and Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, Pennsylvania.