Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Massive soft tissue defects of limbs caused by high-energy injuries and oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects caused by tumor resection are common tissue defects in clinic. Anterolateral thigh flap for repair of these defects can cover wound surface without bad effects on the flap donor site.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze the clinical effects and treating experience of free anterolateral thigh flap in repairing soft tissue defects in limbs and the oral and maxillofacial regions.
METHODS: Forty-one cases of soft tissue defects in limbs and oral and maxillofacial regions caused by injuries or tumor resection were collected. The size of soft tissue defects ranged from 12 cm to 25 cm in length and 5 cm to 11 cm in width. According to the size and shapes of soft tissue defects, the anterolateral thigh flaps were designed, followed by arteriovenousanstomosis between the flap and defects. The survival situation of anterolateral thigh flaps, healing condition, function restoration and patents’ satisfaction were all observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All flaps survived. Among them, vascular crisis occurred in 2 flaps, as black silts appeared in flaps within 24 to 36 hours after operation. Vascular detection found that both flaps were presented with vein thrombosis, and eventually survived following timely thrombolysis. Forty-one cases were all found successfully covering the wound surface after a follow-up of 4 months to 3 years. Two patients with bloated flaps were satisfied after featheredge surgery. Free anterolateral thigh flap is safe and reliable for repairing limbs defects as well as oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects, especially for some large-size skin mucocutaneous defects, since its vessels are invariable with heavycalibre and large dermatomic area.