The purpose of this report is to introduce the cross-leg anterolateral thigh perforator flap for closure of a defect on the dorsum of the foot, and to show that the anterolateral thigh perforator flap is a safe option for a cross-bridge microvascular anastomosis in defects of the extremity. The free anterolateral thigh perforator flap was used for a patient with an unhealed wound on the dorsum of the foot. The flap was revascularized by end-to-side anastomosis between the flap's artery and the posterior tibial artery of the other leg, since there was no available recipient artery on the same leg. After a 4-week neovascularization period, the pedicle was cut. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap for a cross-bridge microvascular anastomosis.
Long-term EPO treatment might have impaired flap survival because of direct or prostaglandin-mediated vasoconstriction, endothelin-induced hypertension, increased peripheral vascular resistance, hyperviscosity, and increased thrombosis. However, EPO might have enhanced flap survival because of its antioxidant effect and modulation of nitric oxide levels. Effects of EPO are controversial, and further research is necessary to delineate the dose and duration relationship and the exact mechanism of action on flap viability.
The tensor fascia lata flap is one of the appropriate choices for the coverage of trochanteric pressure sores. The authors designed a new, hatched-shaped tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap with distal Z-plasty closure and applied it to four trochanteric defects in 4 patients. Satisfactory results were obtained in all patients. The hatchet-shaped tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap is very safe, reliable, and practical. Designing the flap in a hatchet shape allows one to use the proximal and well-vascularized portion of the flap in the trochanteric pressure sore area. Another important advantage is the possibility of reuse resulting from recurrence. Prevention of a "dog-ear" deformity at the recipient site provides a smooth contour on the lateral aspect of the thigh. Another advantage is the tension-free Z-plasty closure of the donor site without need of grafting.
The ratio of flap necrosis area tended to be lower in the groups receiving oral PDE5 inhibitors than in the control group, although not statistically significant. The role of PDE5 inhibitors needs to be evaluated in larger studies before a conclusion can be made regarding their effects on flap viability.
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