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In situ Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: A Rat Model of Myocutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: June 8, 2013
Application of "simplified nomenclature for compound flaps" to the anterolateral thigh flap
Fu-Chan Wei1, Naci Celik, Seng-Feng Jeng
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Medical College, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan. fcw2007@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Background:
The anterolateral thigh flap is becoming a workhorse flap for soft-tissue and coverage reconstruction. It can be elevated in various ways with various tissues combinations. However, there is no consensus on nomenclature for communication, which has resulted in misunderstanding and confusion.
Methods:
The authors propose a new terminology for classification of the anterolateral thigh flap based on the "simplified nomenclature for compound flaps" introduced by Hallock. The intention of this new terminology is to describe both tissue components and skin vessel type.
Results:
Anterolateral thigh flaps can be classified into two subgroups according to the tissue components, as follows: cutaneous or compound. The skin vessel types can also be classified into two subgroups according to the course they traverse: septocutaneous vessel or myocutaneous perforator.
Conclusion:
This classification may bring a consensus on the nomenclature of anterolateral thigh flaps and would be applicable to other perforator flaps.
