Open AccessTensor fascia latae perforator flap: An alternative reconstructive choice for anterolateral thigh flap when no sizable skin perforator is available
Author(s) -
Federico Contedini,
Luca Negosanti,
Valentina Pinto,
Beatrice Tavaniello,
Erich Fabbri,
Rossella Sgarzani,
Daniela Tassone,
Riccardo Cipriani
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
indian journal of plastic surgery/indian journal of plastic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.299
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1998-376X
pISSN - 0970-0358
DOI - 10.4103/0970-0358.113707
Subject(s) - medicine , perforator flaps , fascia lata , fascia , surgery , thigh , reconstructive surgery , reconstructive surgeon , free flap , deep fascia , anatomy
The anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is a versatile flap and very useful for the reconstruction of different anatomical districts. The main disadvantage of this flap is the anatomical variability in number and location of perforators. In general, absence of perforators is extremely rare. In literature, it is reported to be from 0.89% to 5.4%. If no sizable perforators are found, an alternative reconstructive strategy must be considered. Tensor fascia lata (TFL) perforator flap can be a good alternative in these cases: Perforator vessels are always present, the anatomy is more constant and it is possible to harvest it through the same surgical access. The skin island of the flap can be very large and can be thinned removing a large part of the muscle allowing its use for almost the same indications of the ALT flap.