Repair of large area of soft tissue defect of calf by the retrograde anterolateral thigh flap with single high cutaneous perforator

Objective To explore the clinical effect of repairing the large area of soft tissue defect of the calf by the retrograde anterolateral thigh flap with single high cutaneous perforator. Methods From January, 2014 to July, 2017, 9 cases of large area of soft tissue defects were repaired by the retrograde anterolateral thigh flap with single high cutaneous perforator. There were 7 males and 2 females, aged 24-48 years. Soft tissue defects area of the calf was 10.0 cm×7.0 cm to 35.0 cm×15.0 cm, including skin grafting and skin stretch to repair the area. The perforating point of the high cutaneous artery branches was designed at the proximal end of the flap, which was used as the single nutrient vessel of the flap. The rotation point of the flap was moved upward to the proximal thigh, which not only increased the blood supply of the flap, but also made the flap repair range to the distal calf. The flap range was 15.0 cm×10.0 cm to 22.0 cm×12.0 cm. Results All flaps were cut smoothly, and no vascular crisis occurred. All flaps survived smoothly. All patients were followed-up for 6-12 months. The appearance of flaps was plump, slightly bloated, and their color was similar to the recipient area. The texture was soft, and no active disorder in the donor site. Conclusion The retrograde anterolateral thigh flap with single high cutaneous perforator can be designed at a high rotation point. By increasing the number and caliber of the anastomotic branch between the pedicle and lateral superior genicular artery, the blood supply and reflux of flap can be improved, and the survival rate is not affected. Compared with the traditional anterolateral thigh flap, it has great advantages. Key words: Anterolateral thigh flap; High cutaneous perforator; Lower leg; Soft tissue defect