Application of a new classification of chimeric anterolateral thigh free flaps

Abstract

BackgroundThe anterolateral thigh free flap is one of the most commonly used flaps in reconstructive procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess this new classification of chimeric anterolateral thigh free flaps. MethodsSixty-five patients underwent free anterolateral thigh chimeric free flap reconstruction of defects in the head and neck region. We summarized the anatomic features of perforators, including the number and origin of the perforators. ResultsSixty-five cases of femoral anterolateral double island flaps were divided into 3 types: trunk type (type I), 11 cases (16.9%), in which the perforators of two flaps originated in the descending branch and the transverse branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery; branch type (type II), 45 cases (69.3%), in which both the perforators originated in the descending branch or the transverse branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery; and bifurcation type (type III), 9 cases (13.8%), in which two perforators originated in the bifurcation of one perforator that originated in the descending branch or the transverse branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery. All 65 flaps survived and none showed partial necrosis. ConclusionsThe anterolateral thigh chimeric flap can be divided into 3 types: trunk type (I type), branch type (II type) and bifurcation type (III type).