Versatile design of compound vastus lateralis muscle and anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous perforator free flaps for customized reconstruction of complex skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities.

BACKGROUND

Compound anterolateral thigh flaps are popular for three-dimensional reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects. We present our 10-year experience using compound vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and anterolateral thigh musculocutaneous perforator (ALTP) flaps, and introduce three versatile customizations of this flap for individualized reconstruction of complex three-dimensional soft tissue defects.

METHODS

From May 2008 to June 2017, compound VL muscle and ALTP flaps were performed in 67 consecutive patients aged 14-75 years (62 men and 5 women). The defects were in either the lower (n = 53) or upper extremity (n = 14), and ranged in size from 8 × 4 cm to 25 × 6 cm. Dead space volume ranged from 4 × 2 × 1 cm to 20 × 3 × 2 cm, and all flaps were harvested from patients' thighs as one of three types. In type A, a single perforator supplied both the skin and muscle components, with the vascular bundle penetrating the muscle component. In type B, a single perforator supplied both skin and muscle components with separate branches to the skin and muscle. In type C, separate vessels supplied the skin and muscle.

RESULTS

In the 67 patients, 65 flaps survived, and the donor site was closed directly. Vascular compromise occurred in four patients on the first postoperative day. Two flaps were salvaged after emergency re-exploration. Flap loss occurred in two patients, and these defects were repaired using other flaps. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 60 months (mean, 11.9 months). All flaps had satisfactory appearance and texture, and no patients experienced limited hip and knee joint mobility from the donor site operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Compound VL muscle and ALTP flaps are a reliable option to reconstruct complex defects of the extremities. Identifying three flap types allowed for more precise customization to cover complex defects with limited donor site morbidity.