Comparison of the free thinned anterolateral thigh perforator flap with the free medial sural artery perforator flap for reconstruction of head and neck, and extremity defects.

BACKGROUNDThe free anterolateral thigh (ALTP) and free medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flaps are time tested donor for head and neck, and extremities defect reconstruction. Proponents of either flap have concluded each as workhorse flap in their large cohort studies. However, we could not find any literature comparing the donor morbidities, or recipient site outcomes of these flaps, objectively.

Reconstruction of Postburn Mild Anterior Neck Contracture With a Free Thin Anterolateral Thigh Flap.

In this article, we describe reconstruction of a McCauley's Grade I postburn anterior neck contracture with extensive scarring in a 34-year-old woman using a free thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. To our knowledge, this is the first case of reconstruction of Grade I neck contracture using a thin ALT flap that has been reported. By selecting the correct patient, adhering to recommended standards of microvascular technique, and implementing appropriate postoperative nursing care, we achieved a near-normal neck contour in this patient in a single-staged procedure.