Objective: To comprehensively assess the clinical efficacy of the anterolateral thigh flap in lower limb reconstruction (LLR) surgeries and explore its application value via a meta-analysis.
Methods: Published articles on the efficacy of anterolateral thigh flap in LLR were retrieved in English databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, which were searched from their inception to November 2023. The search terms included "anterolateral thigh flaps", "lower extremity", "free muscle" and "reconstruction". Subsequently, data extraction of eligible studies was carried out, and data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.
Results: The final selection comprised 12 appropriate studies, encompassing a total of 577 patients. Meta-analysis demonstrated that negligible differences existed in the length of hospital stay among patients treated with different types of flaps (mean difference (MD) =-0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) =-0.400.20, P>0.05). Additionally, the occurrence of complications differed slightly (Risk difference (RD) =-0.02, 95% CI=-0.090.05, P>0.05). The incidence of secondary surgeries also demonstrated non-significant differences (RD=-0.04, 95% CI=-0.11-0.04, P>0.05). Nevertheless, patients who underwent anterolateral thigh flap transplantation exhibited a drastic decrease in donor site morbidity (Odds ratio (OR) =0.22, 95% CI=0.10-0.49, P<0.05).
Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of the anterolateral thigh flap in LLR surgeries shows no significant differences in hospital stay, complication rates, or the need for secondary surgeries compared to other flaps. However, using anterolateral thigh flap in LLR significantly reduces donor site morbidity.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11301478 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.62347/HFVE6316 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Continental Preferences in Reconstruction of Pharyngolaryngectomy Defects: A Multi-National Survey.
Head Neck
January 2025
University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Objectives: Reconstruction of total pharyngolaryngectomy defects may restore pharyngeal function and enable tracheoesophageal speech after resection of locoregionally advanced malignancy. Little remains known about variations in the practices and preferences of surgeons across differing global regions.
Methods: A survey was sent to reconstructive head and neck surgeons across three continents with responses analyzed to evaluate trends.
Smartphone Thermal Imaging as an Adjunct to Identify Free Flap Perforators and Assisting Flap Design: A Pilot Study.
Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol
February 2025
Background: The main technique for identification of free flap perforator vessels is Doppler sonography, which is not always accurate, user dependent and affected by the patient's body habitus.
Methods: Adult patients undergoing head and neck resection and free flap reconstruction at two academic institutions were enrolled. Doppler sonography was used to identify perforators, and were marked using a skin marker.
Utility of Free Fibula Flap With an Extended Banana-shaped Skin Paddle for Oro-mandibular Reconstructions.
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open
January 2025
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
The free fibula flap is a common technique for mandibular bone defects. However, its limited skin paddle is disadvantageous in cases with significant soft-tissue defects. A free fibula dual-skin paddle flap is used for medium-sized soft-tissue defects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFComplex Scalp Reconstruction in Moyamoya Disease Using Distant Flap After Free Tissue Transfer Failure.
J Craniofac Surg
November 2024
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
A preferred option among many surgeons for treating large defects in the head and neck area is reconstruction using autologous tissue, particularly free tissue transfer with microvascular anastomosis. However, some defects cannot be resolved with conventional microvascular techniques or algorithmic approaches. In this case study, a 55-year-old female, who previously underwent bypass surgery for Moyamoya disease, presented with a large scalp defect following surgical necrosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPreparation of anterolateral thigh flap from polio-affected lower limb: A safe surgical option that preserves patient's motor function.
J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China. Electronic address:
The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a commonly used donor site for reconstructive surger, especially in head and neck reconstructions. The flap's success is primarily determined by the quality and quantity of its perforating vessels, which is why clinicians typically prefer harvesting from a healthy leg with intact vascular anatomy. Poliomyelitis typically causes unilateral lower limb paralysis, resulting in muscle atrophy and deformities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!