Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of the Innervated and Thinned Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Reconstruction of Upper Limb Defects. (16th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Torres-Ortíz Zermeño, Carlos Alberto; López Mendoza, Javier
• Other Names: Huemer Georg M. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Plastic surgery international. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-11-16
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95205
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/489012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1461

Abstract

Abstract : Background . The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been widely described in reconstruction of the upper extremity. However, some details require refinement to improve both functional and aesthetic results. Methods . After reconstruction of upper extremity defects using thinned and innervated ALT flaps, functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated with the QuickDASH scale and a Likert scale for aesthetic assessment of free flaps, respectively. Results . Seven patients with a mean follow-up of 11.57 months and average flap thickness of 5 mm underwent innervation by an end-to-end neurorrhaphy. The average percentage of disability (QuickDASH) was 21.88% with tenderness, pain, temperature, and two-point discrimination present in 100% of cases, and the aesthetic result gave an overall result of 15.40 (good) with the best scores in color and texture. Conclusions . Simultaneous thinning and innervation of the ALT flap lead to a good cosmetic result and functional outcome with a low percentage of disability, which could result in minor surgical procedures and better recovery of motor and sensory function. Level of Evidence . IV.