Utilization of a Continuous External Tissue Expansion System to Assist in Primary Closure of a Large Anterolateral Thigh Donor Site Defect

Does fascia lata repair facilitate closure and does it affect compartment pressures of the anterolateral thigh flap donor site?

The reliability and versatility of the anterolateral thigh flap has been established; however, reducing donor-site morbidity continues to be a focus. The major donor-site difficulties reported include wound complications related to primary closure (i.e., wound dehiscence, muscle bulge, need for skin grafting) and mild lower extremity weakness.1–3 Techniques to further decrease donor-site morbid...

Flap Donor Site Size Reduction with Substratum Horizontal Mattress Suture

Closure of donor site of the flap has special problems. Reduction of this site will decrease the morbidity of operation. In this study, we present our experience in donor site size reduction. METHODS Between 2006 and 2008, 15 patients with skin and soft tissue defects underwent operation. In all patients, coverage of defect was performed with various flaps. Substratum horizontal mat-tress sut...

Use of Innovative Technologies in Pediatric Lower Extremity Reconstruction

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap has proven to be a reliable option for the coverage of soft tissue defects in adults and more recently in the pediatric population. When considering the use of the ALT flap in the pediatric patient, there are few studies that detail techniques specific to pediatric free flap management. We present a unique case of a 14- × 8-cm ALT flap used for traumatic ...

Achieving Direct Closure of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap Donor Site—An Algorithmic Approach

BACKGROUND Minimizing donor-site morbidity after free flap harvest is of paramount importance. In this article, we share our experience with achieving primary closure of 58 anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap donor sites using a simple algorithm in cases where primary closure would otherwise have not been possible. METHODS Between 2004 and 2010, 58 patients who underwent free ALT flap reconst...

Contralateral Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap (ATL) for Upper Thigh Defect in the Era of Free ATL?