[Clinical application and Zunyi Classification of free anterolateral thigh chimeric flaps]

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Free anterolateral thigh chimeric flaps offer versatile reconstructive options.
• A standardized classification is needed to guide their clinical application.
• The Zunyi Classification aims to address this need for complex wound repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the clinical application of free anterolateral thigh chimeric flaps.
• To establish and present the Zunyi Classification for these flaps.
• To correlate flap types with specific wound defect characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 200 patients.
• Analysis of free anterolateral thigh chimeric flap transplantation cases from June 2021 to June 2024.
• Development of the Zunyi Classification based on flap tissue components and clinical application.

Main Results:

• The Zunyi Classification was established, categorizing flaps into Types I, II, III, and IV.
• Type I flaps (1 tissue type) for simple defects; Type II (2 tissue types) for combined defects; Type III (≥3 tissue types) for complex reconstructions.
• Type IV flaps require microsurgical construction for extensive or specialized defects, allowing flexible tissue combinations.

Conclusions:

• The Zunyi Classification effectively categorizes free anterolateral thigh chimeric flaps based on tissue composition.
• This classification emphasizes functional requirements of recipient sites, guiding complex wound repair.
• The Zunyi Classification facilitates clinical decision-making and promotes the use of these versatile flaps.