Expanding the Applications of the Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh and Vastus Lateralis Myocutaneous Flaps

We describe our experience in expanding the use of pedicled anterolateral thigh and vastus lateralis myocutaneous flaps. A total of 33 patients underwent 34 flaps between March 2003 and January 2012. The defects included 18 ischial, 3 trochanteric, 5 lower abdomen, 2 perineogenital, 1 groin, and 5 knee defects. There were 29 proximal pedicled (2 of which were preexpanded), 3 distal pedicled, and 2 propeller flaps. Complications included 1 total necrosis, 1 partial necrosis, 3 wound dehiscence in recipient site, 1 hematoma, and 1 donor-site dehiscence. The total flap survival rate was 94%. There were no donor-site morbidities except poor cosmesis in the skin-grafted sites. Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap is highly versatile with a wide arc of rotation. A proximal pedicled flap can be used for lower abdomen, perineogenital, ischial, and trochanteric defects and the distal pedicled or a propeller flap for knee and proximal lower leg defects.