8. Versatility of the free anterolateral thigh flap for the reconstruction of the achilles tendon and massive overlying skin defect
Main Article Content
Abstract
The free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) with fascia lata (FL) shows advantages in the single-stage reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and soft tissue defect. We performed on a series of 6 patients from 12 - 62 years old, receiving ALT flaps with FL to reconstruct the Achilles tendon and soft tissue defects with infected areas. The skin defect sizes are from 6 x 4 cm to 12 x 10 cm. One patient underwent reconstruction using the free composite ALT flap with vascularized FL, while other 5 patients underwent reconstruction using the free chimeric ALT and FL flaps. Flaps have 2 components: cutaneous island and fascial flap. The size of the cutaneous island ranged from 10 x 5 cm to 15 x 12 cm, and the size of the FL flap ranged from 10 x 5 cm to 15 x 12 cm. Five patients received skin flap thinning up to 40 - 79% of the flap thickness, while one patient did not need to debulk. All patients were able to stand and ambulate, and they were satisfied with the reconstructive results. The thinned chimeric ALT with FL flap is the best choice for the massive Achilles tendon and overlying skin defect due to its many advantages. We believe that this is a practical approach to improve the functional outcomes of patients with massive Achilles tendon and overlying skin defects.
Article Details
Keywords
Chimeric flap, thinning flap, composite flap, free ALT flap with fascial lata, tendon Achille and skin defect
References
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