Feasibility of a bone and soft tissue chimeric anterolateral thigh free flap? Anatomic study and report of two cases for oral cavity reconstruction

Abstract

The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is a workhorse for a spectrum of reconstructive problems including head and neck defects. Its versatility as a chimeric flap employing a variety of soft tissues with a robust pedicle is useful for three-dimensional defects. The authors investigated the anatomical relationship between the vascular supply to the ALT and anterior femur. We studied 16 fresh cadaver limbs to identify the typical branching patterns to the femur off the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. These patterns can facilitate dissection of this type of chimeric ALT. The authors have integrated a bone component of vascularised femur in this flap off the lateral circumflex femoral artery system to address oral cancer defects in two patients. A retrospective review of these cases correlating with the anatomic study was undertaken. Both patients had recurrent disease with limited donor site options. Both had extensive floor of mouth and tongue defects as well as small mandible defects of 2 cm. Both went on to heal at the donor and recipient sites at 32 months' follow-up.