Reconstruction of donor site defect after harvesting anterolateral thigh flap by V-Y flap pedicled with the lateral superior genicular perforator

Objective: To investigate the clinical application of V-Y flap pedicled with the lateral superior genicular perforator for donor site defect after harvesting anterolateral thigh flap.

Methods: From June 2011 to June 2012, 9 cases with defects at hands and feet were treated with anterolateral thigh flaps. The defects left at the donor sites were consequently reconstructed with V-Y flap pedicled with the lateral superior genicular perforator. The defects left by V-Y flap were closed directly.

Results: All the 9 anterolateral thigh flap survived completely. 5 flaps underwent thinning surgery 6-8 months after operation. The flaps had a good appearance, texture, color and elasticity. The 8 perforator flaps survived completely with partial necrosis in 1 flap at the proximal end. The average healing time was 17 days. There was no obvious depression at donor sites with normal function.

Conclusions: The method is easily performed with optional therapeutic effect. It is a modified improvement for the anterolateral thigh flap.