Cosmetic Surgery Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cosmetic Surgery, including details on microsurgery, reconstruction, techniques, risks.

Reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for knee and proximal calf defects.

Wang XC, Lu Q, Li XF, Burd A, Zhao BC, Wang YY, He JY, Liu XP

Division of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Second XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of defects involving the knee and proximal one third of the lower leg presents a challenging problem in plastic surgery. AIM: To evaluate the reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for covering such defects. METHODS: Between September 2006 and May 2007, one man and four women with defects around the knee and upper calf underwent reconstruction with reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flaps. The patients' average age was 45 years (25-72 years). The size of the transferred flap ranged from 6cmx8cm to 12cmx13cm. RESULTS: Four flaps with overlying skin grafts healed uneventfully; one skin graft showed minor necrosis due to haematoma, but the adipofascial flap survived well. Postoperatively the appearance of the reconstructive flap was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is an effective option for covering defects of the knee and proximal calf.

Published 4 February 2008 in Burns.
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