Abstract

PURPOSE
Management of the soft tissue defect in the lower extremity caused by trauma has always been difficult. Coverage with local and free muscle flaps after complete surgical excision of necrotic soft tissue and bone is a major strategy for treatment. There is no doubt that muscle provides a good blood supply, thus improving bone healing and increasing resistance to bacterial inoculation. However, accompanying problems are seen in cases with shallow dead space. This research was conducted to assess the efficacy of raising anterolateral thigh flaps and transferring them to the defect after complete debridement of non-viable, infected, and scar tissue as an alternative way to use local or free muscle flaps.
METHODS
From March 2005 to October 2007, 18 cases of soft tissue defect on lower extremities were re-surfaced with an anterolateral thigh perforator free flap.
RESULTS
The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 31 months with a mean of 15.9 months. All flaps survived completely. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results were achieved. Under a two-point discrimination test, 13 patients had sensory recovery from 11 mm to 20 mm after 6 months postoperatively.
CONCLUSION
Reconstruction of the lower extremity with anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps after appropriate debridement is a good alternative way to use local or free muscle flaps.

• Keywords: Lower extremityAnterolateral thigh flap