Free chimeric anterolateral thigh cutaneotendinous flap with rectus femoris muscular flap for repairing the complex tissue defect of dorsum wrist

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical outcome of free chimeric anterolateral thigh cutaneotendinous flap with rectus femoris muscular flap for repairing the complex tissue defect of dorsum wrist. Methods From June, 2005 to March, 2014, free chimeric anterolateral thigh cutaneotendinous flap with rectus femoris muscular flap was used for repairing the complex tissue defect of dorsum wrist in 15 cases, which were 12 males and 3 females, and aged from 18 to 52 years old. The skin and soft tissue defect ranged from 8.0 cm×5.5 cm to 22.0 cm×12.0 cm. All accompanied with extensor digitorum tendon loss. The tendon defect ranged from 5.0 cm to 12.0 cm (7.6 cm on average). The flap size ranged from 9.0 cm×6.5 cm to 23.0 cm×13.0 cm. The pedicle length ranged from 4.0 cm to 7.0 cm (5.3 cm on average). Results All flaps survived, and no postoperative complications occurred. The followed-up time ranged from 12 months to 36 months, and the texture of flap was flexible. No bulky was noted, and skin color was similar to the hand skin. The flexor and extensor function of wrist recovered satisfying. The 2-point discrimination of flap ranged from 9 mm to 15 mm(12.5 mm on average). Conclusion Free chimeric anterolateral thigh cutaneotendinous flap with rectus femoris muscular flap is a good option for repairing the complex tissue defect of dorsum wrist. Key words: Anterolateral thigh flap; Transplantation; Rectus femoris muscle; Chimeric flap; Tendon defect; Wrist