Clinical application of anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized femoral fascia for repairing Achilles tendon and heal soft tissue defects

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical application of anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized femoral fascia for repairing the Achilles tendon and heal soft tissue defects. Methods From October 2012 to December 2014, 11 patients who suffered from local soft tissue defects (from 4 cm×6 cm to 9 cm×13 cm) and partial or total injury of the Achilles tendon were treated and evaluated. An anterolateral thigh flap and fascia lata of the corresponding size were cut, and the defect area of the Achilles tendon was designed to be located at the pedicle of the perforator vessel to repair Achilles tendon defects. Results The flaps survived and the Achilles tendon exposure was well covered in 11 patients. All the patients followed for 6 to 9 months had no flap complications, and Achilles tendon tension and ankle movement function recovered well. Conclusion It is a good way to fix the Achilles tendon and heel soft tissue defects with an anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized femoral fascia. Key words: Achilles tendon; Ankle; Surgical flaps; Microsurgery; Fascia lata; Vascularized