[Anteromedial thigh perforator flap an ideal alternative flap for anterolateral thigh flap without suitable perforator].

PURPOSE: To find a reliable alternative flap with minimal donor site morbidity for anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) without suitable perforator.

METHODS

From December 2007 to February 2011, 2 of 64 patients underwent tongue and floor of mouth reconstruction with an anteromedial thigh flap with the initial intent of using an anterolateral thigh flap. One was a perforator flap and the size was 7cm×4cm , the other was a perforator-based chimeric flap including a slender of rectus femoris island and a 14cm×6cm skin paddle. Both of the AMT flap pedicles were medial branch of descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) and the pedicle length was 10 to 12cm.

RESULTS

The flaps survived completely and no complications occurred in recipient and donor sites. The two patients were followed up for 0.5 to 12 months. The functions of speech and swallow recovered well. The donor site was closed primarily and scar was not obvious. The leg's function recovered well.

CONCLUSION

AMT flap is a reliable alternative flap with minimal donor site morbidity when there is no suitable perforator in anterolateral thigh region.