Versatility of the anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata for reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects: clinical experience and functional assessment of the donor site.

BACKGROUND

The anterolateral thigh flap is commonly used for reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. This article presents the authors' approach to one-stage reconstruction of composite soft-tissue defects using an anterolateral thigh flap with a vascularized fascia lata.

METHODS

This retrospective review analyzed 973 patients who had undergone anterolateral thigh flap reconstruction for various soft-tissue defects over the past 10 years. Various types of complicated defects in 36 patients were reconstructed with a composite anterolateral thigh flap combined with vascularized fascia lata. The fascia lata component of the flap was used for abdominal wall and fascial defect reconstruction in 12 patients, for lip-cheek defect reconstruction in 15 patients, for reconstruction of composite defects in extremities in nine patients, and for reconstruction of the perineum in one patient. Functional outcomes of donor sites were investigated by using a dynamometer.

RESULTS

All flaps except one survived. The overall flap survival rate was 97 percent. Patients achieved satisfactory results without major postoperative complications. The study revealed that vascularized fascia may mimic a fascial sheath but lacks the muscle-synchronized excursion properties. Apart from a mild deficiency in quadriceps femoris muscles contraction in the donor thighs, no difficulties in daily ambulation were reported by the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata provides a reliable fascial component for single-stage reconstruction of complex soft-tissue defects.