The Vascular Pedicle of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap as an Alternative Recipient Site for Thigh Free Flaps

ABSTRACT

The indications for a free flap for thigh defects are relatively uncommon. Regardless, a reasonable recipient site will always be of paramount importance. The major femoral vessels, usually accessed via the medial thigh, would be a conventional selection. If these are at risk within the zone of injury, or if the defect is more lateral, the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels might be a more suitable alternative. The surgical approach is virtually identical to that used to raise the familiar anterolateral thigh flap, where in a similar fashion a long pedicle of large caliber can be obtained to simplify end-to-end microanastomoses. This has proven to be an invaluable resource as demonstrated in two clinical cases.

KEYWORDS

Anterolateral thigh muscle perforator flap - free flap - microsurgery - recipient site - microanastomosis - lateral circumflex femoral vessels

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