Lower Extremity Limb Salvage After Trauma: Versatility of the Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes and complications of the anterolateral thigh free flap (ALT FF) versus other free muscle flaps for reconstruction of traumatic defects of the lower extremity.
DESIGN: Retrospective review from a single plastic and reconstructive surgical unit comparing outcomes between 2 free flap groups-ALT FF and other commonly used muscle free flaps.
SETTING: Tertiary referral University Hospital Level I Trauma Center.
PATIENTS: Hundred patients who underwent lower extremity salvage for traumatic injuries.
INTERVENTION: Free flap coverage of traumatic lower extremity injuries.
MAIN OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS: Successful for limb salvage, intraoperative and postoperative complications.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Categorical variables were analyzed using χ and Fisher exact tests; continuous variables were examined using Wilcoxon rank-sum test.
CONCLUSIONS: The ALT FF is equivalent in success to other traditional nonfasciocutaneous free flaps but may provide a more durable supple coverage with all components of the native soft-tissue envelop that can be tailored to the reconstructive needs of the traumatized lower extremity. Limb salvage outcomes may still be heavily influenced by the original severity of injury.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.