Thin anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap for repair of hand wounds

Abstract

Objective To explore the curative effect of thin anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap for repairing hand skin and soft tissue defects. Methods From January 2009 to January 2016, 26 cases with hand skin and soft tissue defects were treated by free thin anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap. Anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap was harvested first. After the perforators were separated, the subcutaneous fat fascia was trimmed. The flap was lobulated and transplanted to repair the wound. The donor site was sutured directly. Results Postoperative follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months with an average of 13 months. One-leaf necrosis occurred in 1 case which achieved healing after skin grafting. The rest of 25 flaps survived uneventfully. The flaps were not bulky with satisfactory appearance. The donor site achieved primary healing. There was no obvious effect on walking. Conclusion Thin anterolateral thigh perforator lobulated flap is one of the ideal skin flaps to repair hand wounds. The shape and size of leaves can be adjusted according to the blood oozing from the dermis after thinning, which guarantees the lobulated flap blood supply and improves the success rate without secondary debulking. Key words: Surgical flaps; Treatment outcome; Anterolateral thigh perforators lobulated flap; Wound repair