J Korean Soc Microsurg.
2011 Nov;20(2):96-101.
Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect of Knee Joint Area Using Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sceun@snubh.org
Abstract
- Reconstruction of soft tissue defect of knee joint area has been remained a challenging task for plastic surgeons. The earlier the normal tissue saved and the necrotic tissue removed, the less the patients had complications and functional disability. But such defects are difficult to manage for its poor vascularity, rigid tissue distensibility, easy infectability and a relatively long healing period. The goal of flap coverage in the knee joint should not only be satisfactory wound coverage, but also acceptable appearance and minimal donor site morbidity. We have treated five cases using the anterolateral thigh perforator flaps for reconstruction successfully.
In conclusion, we believe that in cases of knee joint area soft tissue defects, flaps like anterolateral thigh perforator flap should be considered as the first line of treatment.