Rehabilitative treatment of lower leg injury was studied by using anterolateral free thigh flap with CT scan

Abstract

ObjectiveIn cases of severe soft tissue loss and deep tissue exposure in the lower part of the leg, microsurgical skin flap transplantation is the primary treatment method. MethodsBased on the anatomy of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its musculocutaneous perforators, a free, ultra-thin anterolateral thigh perforator flap is designed for the repair of soft tissue defects in hands and feet. This method has been successfully used at our hospital to treat three patients. Postoperative recovery was favorable, with no vascular crises, and all skin flaps survived. ResultsThe aesthetic appearance of the repaired area was approved by patients, and there were no severe complications post-surgery. Patients were followed up for a period ranging from 6 to 24 months, averaging 14 months. The skin flaps were soft and elastic, without swelling, and the color matched that of normal skin, with good sensory function recovery. ConclusionIn surgical treatment of lower leg wounds, prioritizing using a free anterolateral thigh flap can enhance the repair of the wound and expedite functional recovery postoperatively.