Purpose: Extensive studies regarding vascular anatomy and clinical applications of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been conducted for many years. However, the ALT flap perforator vessels anatomy in the Malaysian population is not well-analyzed. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of ALT flap perforator vessels and its clinical applications in reconstructive surgery.Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in two main centers of reconstructive surgery. A total of 142 cases of ALT flaps that used as an option for soft tissue reconstruction was selected. Vascular anatomy of ALT flaps was studied precisely including the origin of vessels, location of perforators, and types of perforator vessels intraoperatively during the flap harvest.Results: The distribution of ALT flap perforator vessels can be found at three specific locations on the thigh namely perforators A, B, and C. The highest number of cutaneous perforator vessels that supplied the ALT flap was musculocutaneous perforator with 72.3%, and dominantly at perforators B and C. The remaining perforator vessels were septocutaneous perforator with 27.7%, presented mainly at perforator A. A majority of cases involved the reconstruction of wound defects following tumor resection and trauma. The most area of reconstruction was the lower limb with 33.8%.Conclusion: The distribution of ALT flap perforator vessels can be predicted during flap harvest and can be applied in numerous clinical applications for wound defect coverage. The knowledge regarding vascular anatomy of ALT flap perforator vessels can aid plastic surgeons in reconstructive surgery.
Hand injuries, involving extensor tendon with carpal bone loss are catastrophic events. Reconstructive surgeons typically face difficulties in minimizing the number of operations, recovery period and restoring its functions with an acceptable aesthetic outcome. However, chimeric flap, which consists of multiple composite flaps from one of the sources of main vascular system is a promising option for reconstruction. This paper presents a case of near-amputated degloving injury over the extensor tendon with carpal bone loss on left hand due to road traffic accidents. The patient had a hand reconstruction with chimeric flap consisted of free fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized osteomyocutaneous iliac bone graft with tensor fascia lata from the lateral circumflex femoral vascular system. As a result, the hand functioned well and appeared aesthetically acceptable. Thus, this surgery is an effective option in recovering and reconstructing a complex and traumatic hand injury that involved multiple composite tissue defects.
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