Cross-leg free anterolateral thigh perforator flap: a case report

The purpose of this report is to introduce the cross-leg anterolateral thigh perforator flap for closure of a defect on the dorsum of the foot, and to show that the anterolateral thigh perforator flap is a safe option for a cross-bridge microvascular anastomosis in defects of the extremity. The free anterolateral thigh perforator flap was used for a patient with an unhealed wound on the dorsum of the foot. The flap was revascularized by end-to-side anastomosis between the flap's artery and the posterior tibial artery of the other leg, since there was no available recipient artery on the same leg. After a 4-week neovascularization period, the pedicle was cut. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap for a cross-bridge microvascular anastomosis.