Arch Hand Microsurg.
2020 Sep;25(3):219-224. 10.12790/ahm.20.0034.
Distribution of Anterolateral Thigh Flap Perforator Vessels and Its Clinical Applications in Malaysian Population
- Affiliations
-
- 1Reconstructive Sciences Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- 2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- 3Plastic and Reconstructive Unit, MSU Medical Center, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia
- KMID: 2505903
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.20.0034
Abstract
- 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.
- Full Text Links
-
- Actions
-
Cited
- CITED
-
- Close
- Share
-
- Similar articles
-
- Reconstruction of the Digit Using Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap
- Anatomical Characteristics and Versatility of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap
- Scrotal Reconstruction with Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap
- Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect of Knee Joint Area Using Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap
- Scrotal Reconstruction with Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap in Fournier's Gangrene
