Distally based anterolateral-thigh (ALT) flap with the aid of multidetector computed tomography

Abstract

The applicability of the proximally based pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been well described with good results, but the use of a distally based ALT flap around the knee has not been fairly presented. The case of a male patient with a soft-tissue defect around the knee who underwent skin reconstruction based on an ipsilateral distally based ALT flap is presented. Multidetector-computed tomography (MDCT) was used to study the vessels of the lower extremity, which allowed easy interpretation as it provided anatomical images with three-dimensional anatomy reconstructions. Because of the knowledge of the anatomical connections with the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) and the superior lateral genicular artery (SLGA), the distally based ALT flap could be safely transferred. Soft-tissue reconstruction around the knee using the distally based ALT flap could also be performed safely and reliably with the aid of MDCT.