Anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the ankle

Abstract

Objective To investigate the methods and therapeutic effects of anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects around the ankle. Methods A retrospective case series study was made on 30 patients treated with anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps for traumatic soft tissue defects around the tibia between January 2010 and June 2016. There were 22 males and eight females, with the age range of 16-58 years [(41.5±1.2)years]. Dimension of the soft tissue defect ranged from 9 cm×4 cm to 23 cm×12 cm. Flap stabilization time, flap survival rate, postoperative complications, second plastic surgery rate, and ankle joint function by Baird-Jackson score were recorded. Results All patients were followed up for (13.0±5.4)months (range, 6-24 months). Time for flap stabilization was (6.5±1.1)days. All flaps survived except in one patients with flap loss due to postoperative arterial thrombosis. Postoperatively, one patient had arterial crisis, one had venous thrombosis, and one presented sinus formation due to infection. No second plastic surgery was carried out. According to the Baird-Jackson score, the results were excellent in 25 patients and good in five. Conclusion Anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of traumatic soft tissue defects around the tibia has advantages of easy harvesting and survival, less postoperative complications, less second surgery, and good function recovery. Key words: Ankle injuries; Soft tissue injuries; Perforator flap