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J Reconstr Microsurg 2018; 34(03): 176-184
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1607426
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Outcomes of Subfascial, Suprafascial, and Super-Thin Anterolateral Thigh Flaps: Tailoring Thickness without Added Morbidity

Shawn Diamond
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Havard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Akhil K. Seth
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Havard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Anmol S. Chattha
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Havard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Mathew L. Iorio
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Havard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
2   Department of Orthopedics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

29 May 2017

12 September 2017

Publication Date:
07 November 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Background Subfascial anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap thickness can be problematic with regards to bulk, oral competence, shoe-fit, or as a potential source of recurrent wound breakdown. We have utilized distinct upper thigh fascial planes to fashion thin (suprafascial) or super-thin (periscarpal) ALT flaps to improve surface topography. We compared outcomes based on ALT flap thickness to determine any significant differences in extremity coverage and reconstruction.

Methods Analysis was completed on patients who consecutively underwent ALT free tissue transfer at a single institution from May 2012 to January 2017. Patient's operative, and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. Univariate analysis determined differences among matching as well as functional outcomes. A multivariable regression identified independent risk factors associated with patient, donor site, and flap complications.

Results Fifty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 (31.4%) underwent traditional subfascial ALT flaps, and 35 (68.6%) underwent suprafascial (N = 23) or super-thin (N = 12) flaps. Thin flap patients were more likely to use tobacco (42.9% versus 6.3%; p < 0.01), have fewer perforators (1.20 ± 0.41 versus 1.64 ± 0.63; p < 0.009), and shorter mean operative times (425.9 ± 87.8 versus 511.9 ± 79.9; p < 0.002), but nearly identical flap sizes (163 cm2 versus 168 cm2). There were no significant differences in flap complications (18% versus 22%) or donor-site complications (6.3% versus 5.7%) between the thick and thin cohorts, respectively (p > 0.05). In subgroup analysis, diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for donor site morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; p = 0.027) for all groups, whereas tobacco use and obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30) failed to significantly alter outcomes independently.

Conclusions Tailoring ALT thickness can be performed safely without compromising flap outcomes or patient morbidity. Suprafascial and super-thin ALTs allowed for safe, precise solutions for tissue coverage.

Keywords

ALT - anterolateral - suprafascial - super-thin - harvest plane - lower extremity reconstruction

Disclosures

The authors have no financial interests in any of the products or techniques mentioned and have received no external support related to this study.


 

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