THE RESULTS OF USING FREE ANTEROLATERAL THIGH FLAP FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE COMPLEX FOOT AND ANKLE SOFT TISSUE DEFECT
Main Article Content
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.
Article Details
Keywords
Anterolateral thigh flap, the complex foot and ankle defects
References
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