THE RESULTS OF USING FREE ANTEROLATERAL THIGH FLAP FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE COMPLEX FOOT AND ANKLE SOFT TISSUE DEFECT

Vũ Thị Dung1,, Phạm Thị Việt Dung1,2,3
1 Hanoi Medical University Hospital
2 Hanoi Medical University
3 Bach Mai Hospital

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Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the initial results of using free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for reconstruction of the complex soft tissue defects at the foot and ankle region. Patients and methods: 17 patients with complex soft tissue defects at the foot and ankle region underwent a defect reconstruction by using ALT free flap from August 2016 to August 2017 at Saint Paul Hospital and Hanoi Medical University Hospital. Results: The size of flaps ranged from 70 cm2 to 276 cm2. The flap lengths ranged from 10 cm to 25 cm. The flap widths ranged from 7 cm to 12 cm. 16 out of 17 flaps (equivalent to 94.12%) survived completely, and partial necrosis was detected in only one case. At the donor site, primary closure was performed in 14 patients and skin grafting was carried out in 3 patients. All wounds at the donor sites healed quickly. Follow up after 6 months showed good results in 6 out of 13 patients and fair outcomes from the rest. Conclusion: The ALT flap, with advantages of a high survival rate, a stable pedicle, and minimal morbidity at the donor sites, is ideal a reliable alternative for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects at the foot and ankle region, restoring function of extremeties.

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References

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