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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
[Anterolateral thigh flap: from anatomic study to surgical technique]
S Ouezzani1, D Gangloff, I Garrido
1Service de chirurgie plastique, chirurgie de la main et des brûlés, hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France. salma_ouezzani@yahoo.fr
Annales De Chirurgie Plastique Et Esthetique
|June 26, 2007
Summary
The anterolateral thigh flap, a versatile reconstructive tool, often requires challenging intramuscular dissection. Understanding perforator anatomy is key to successful surgical application.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Anatomy
- Microsurgery
Context:
- The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, a perforator flap, is widely used for head and neck reconstruction.
- Its vascular supply originates from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.
- While its anatomy is documented, surgical dissection presents challenges.
Purpose:
- To identify key dissection points and potential pitfalls of the anterolateral thigh flap.
- To analyze the anatomical variations of perforators based on a study of 15 lower limbs.
- To provide guidance for surgeons performing ALT flap reconstructions.
Summary:
- The study investigated the anatomical dissection of the anterolateral thigh flap, focusing on 15 lower limbs.
- It highlighted that while septocutaneous perforators (14.4%) allow easier dissection, musculocutaneous perforators (86.6%) necessitate difficult intramuscular dissection within the vastus lateralis.
- Identifying the intermuscular septum between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis is the initial critical step.
Impact:
- This research aims to improve the safety and efficiency of anterolateral thigh flap surgery.
- It emphasizes the need for thorough anatomical understanding and dissection practice for successful head and neck defect reconstruction.
- The findings encourage surgeons to prepare adequately for the technical demands of ALT flap harvesting.
