Versatility of the Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Head and Neck Defects

Comprehensive Analysis of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap Vascular Anatomy

“…Perforators involving both the intermuscular septum and either the rectus femoris or vastus lateralis muscles (musculoseptocutaneous) were found throughout the distribution. The midpoint perforator was found at the precise midpoint only 16.0% of the time, and, as shown in Figure 5, considerable variation in perforator location was found relative to the midpoint. However, 47.0% were found nearby within a surrounding distance of ±2% of the thigh length.…”

Functional reconstruction of complex lip and cheek defect with free composite anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia

“…[15][16][17]20,23 This technique offers many advantages such as large and pliable skin paddle, long vascular pedicle with a large diameter, and suitability for a simultaneous 2-team approach. Additionally, when compared with the radial forearm flap, the ALT flap sacrifices no major artery, and the donor-site defect can usually be closed primarily.…”

“…[15][16][17][18] At the teams' medical facility, the ALT flap is the workhorse flap for reconstructing complex skin and mucosa defects after head and neck tumor resection. [19][20][21] Additionally, this flap has the following advantages over the radial forearm flap: (1) sacrifice of major arteries in the hand is not required, and (2) the donor-site scar is less conspicuous than that of the radial forearm flap.…”

Optimizing aesthetic and functional outcomes at donor sites

“…Most published data suggest that the width of the ALT flap should range from 6 to 10 cm to allow primary wound closure. (42)(43)(44) However, these approaches are not reliable, as they do not take individual variability and the overall circumference of the donor thigh into consid- …”