Application of anteromedial thigh flap as a alternative flap in maxillofacial soft tissue defects

Abstract

Objective:To explore the application value of anteromedial thigh flap（AMT） as alternative flap in repairing maxillofacial soft tissue defects. Method:Sixty patients were scheduled to underwent anterolateral thigh flap（ALT） reconstruction. Preoperative CT angiography were conducted. Imaging workstations were used to locate perforator vessels in the anterolateral and anteromedial areas respectively. Four patients had no suitable perforator during the preparation of AMT flaps. In the same operation area, ALT flaps were prepared to reconstruct the defect according to the location of the perforator vessels in the anteromedial areas. Result:All four AMT flaps survived uneventfully. Flap sizes ranged from 9 cm×6 cm to 7 cm×4 cm. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 12 months, the functions of recipient and donor sites recovered well. Conclusion:Preoperative CT angiography can improve the accuracy of the preparation of skin flap effectively. When no sizable perforator is available during harvest of the ALT flap, successful reconstruction can be achieved using the ipsilateral AMT flap.