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Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in global reconstructive surgery: A bibliometric analysis
Chunyu Wang1, Xuebing Lin2, Long Chen1
1Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing City, China.
Medicine
|January 21, 2026
Summary
Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps are versatile for reconstruction. Research on ALT flaps has significantly increased since 2017, with China and the USA leading global contributions and emerging focus on phalloplasty.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Bibliometrics
Background:
- Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps have been a cornerstone in reconstructive surgery since 1984.
- Their versatility, reliability, and minimal donor-site morbidity have led to widespread global utilization.
- ALT flaps are used in diverse reconstructions, including head, neck, extremities, breast, and phalloplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map research trends and knowledge concerning ALT flaps.
- To analyze the evolution of ALT flap research over a 20-year period (2004-2024).
- To identify key contributors, institutions, and emerging research areas in the field.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2004-2024).
- Utilized Citespace 6.3.R1 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 for literature assessment and mapping.
- Analyzed publication volume, country/institutional contributions, journal impact, and keyword co-occurrence.
Main Results:
- Identified 2492 publications, with a notable surge in research after 2017.
- China and the USA are leading countries in publication volume and international collaboration.
- Key institutions include Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and UTMD Anderson Cancer Center; "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" is the most cited journal.
- Prominent keywords include "anterolateral thigh flap" and "reconstruction," with emerging themes like "phalloplasty" and "vascularized fascia lata."
Conclusions:
- This bibliometric study offers a comprehensive overview of the ALT flap research landscape.
- It highlights significant growth, key global players, and evolving research directions.
- The findings provide a foundation for future advancements in reconstructive surgery utilizing ALT flaps.
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