Ascending the reconstructive ladder – Our experience and outcomes with free anterolateral thigh flap in upper limb trauma

Q2 Medicine

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma Pub Date : 2025-04-23 DOI:10.1016/j.jcot.2025.103030

Prakash Chandra Kala, R. Saradha, Deepti Katrolia, Shilpi Karmakar

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Reconstructive surgeons face a unique challenge while reconstructing post-traumatic complex upper limb defects, as the goal is not merely to resurface the defect but also to restore motor and sensory function as well as aesthetics. Free tissue transfer offers a single-stage, comprehensive reconstruction in such a setting. This study describes our experience in the use of the free Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) flap to reconstruct complex upper limb defects and its postoperative outcomes.

Methods

A cohort of 17 patients who underwent free ALT flap for upper limb reconstruction was assessed postoperatively at 3 and 6 months for aesthetic, functional and sensory outcomes.

Results

Key findings include a high overall success rate (94.1 %) with acceptable patient and observer-reported aesthetic scores, a good functional recovery at 6 months, a mean disability score of 11.51 %, and a mean grip strength of 90.38 % compared to the contralateral limb.

Conclusion

The study highlights the effectiveness of free ALT flap in providing reliable, high-quality soft tissue coverage with minimal donor site morbidity. The study also reinforces its preference for the reconstruction of complex upper limb trauma, supporting excellent functional recovery, thereby ensuring an early return to work and a better quality of life.

查看原文本刊更多论文

攀上重建阶梯-游离大腿前外侧皮瓣治疗上肢创伤的经验与结果

背景重建外科医生在重建创伤后复杂的上肢缺损时面临着独特的挑战，因为重建的目标不仅是修复缺损，而且要恢复运动和感觉功能以及美学。在这种情况下，自由组织移植提供了单阶段、全面的重建。本研究描述了我们使用游离股前外侧（ALT）皮瓣重建复杂上肢缺损的经验及其术后效果。方法选取17例接受游离ALT皮瓣重建上肢的患者，分别于术后3个月和6个月对其美学、功能和感觉结果进行评估。结果主要发现包括高总成功率（94.1%），患者和观察者报告的美观评分可接受，6个月时功能恢复良好，平均残疾评分为11.51%，与对侧肢体相比，平均握力为90.38%。结论游离ALT皮瓣在提供可靠、高质量的软组织覆盖和最小的供区发病率方面是有效的。该研究还强调了其对复杂上肢创伤重建的偏好，支持良好的功能恢复，从而确保早日重返工作岗位和更好的生活质量。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma Medicine-Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

CiteScore

4.30

自引率

0.00%

发文量

181

审稿时长

92 days

期刊介绍： Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (JCOT) aims to provide its readers with the latest clinical and basic research, and informed opinions that shape today''s orthopedic practice, thereby providing an opportunity to practice evidence-based medicine. With contributions from leading clinicians and researchers around the world, we aim to be the premier journal providing an international perspective advancing knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. JCOT publishes content of value to both general orthopedic practitioners and specialists on all aspects of musculoskeletal research, diagnoses, and treatment. We accept following types of articles: • Original articles focusing on current clinical issues. • Review articles with learning value for professionals as well as students. • Research articles providing the latest in basic biological or engineering research on musculoskeletal diseases. • Regular columns by experts discussing issues affecting the field of orthopedics. • "Symposia" devoted to a single topic offering the general reader an overview of a field, but providing the specialist current in-depth information. • Video of any orthopedic surgery which is innovative and adds to present concepts. • Articles emphasizing or demonstrating a new clinical sign in the art of patient examination is also considered for publication. Contributions from anywhere in the world are welcome and considered on their merits.