Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
08:18
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
The proximal pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for lower limb coverage
1Division of Plastic Surgery, The Lehigh Valley Hospitals, Allentown, PA, USA. pbhallock@cs.com
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|November 1, 2005
Summary
The anterolateral thigh flap offers a reliable option for thigh wound coverage. This versatile flap, particularly the proximal pedicled version, can be used as a local chimeric flap for complex reconstructions.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- The anterolateral thigh (ALT) is primarily recognized as a free flap donor site.
- Its potential as a local perforator flap for lower limb coverage is underutilized.
Observation:
- This study presents 3 additional cases utilizing a proximal pedicled ALT flap for medial and lateral thigh defects.
- The flap was also incorporated into a chimeric flap with the vastus lateralis muscle.
- A peninsular design of the ALT local flap was employed to prevent venous congestion.
Findings:
- The proximal pedicled ALT flap proved useful for covering thigh wounds.
- The chimeric flap approach with vastus lateralis demonstrated versatility.
- The peninsular ALT flap design was highly reliable and avoided venous issues.
Implications:
- The orthograde pedicled ALT muscle perforator flap is a valuable alternative for upper thigh reconstruction.
- This flap should be considered when reconstructive surgery is essential for thigh defects.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Arteries of Lower Limbs
The external iliac artery transitions out of the body cavity, entering the femoral region of the lower leg, and is renamed the femoral artery at the point where it traverses the body wall. This artery is responsible for the distribution of blood to the thigh's deep muscles and the skin's ventral and lateral regions, achieved through several minor branches and the lateral deep femoral artery, which also spawns a lateral circumflex artery. The knee area receives blood from the genicular artery,...
01:15Veins of Lower Limbs
The human body consists of an intricate network of veins responsible for the crucial task of blood drainage from the lower limbs. These veins can be categorized into two main types: deep veins and superficial veins.
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the knee,...
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the knee,...