Reconstruction of lower extremity complex wounds with combined free tissue transfer using the anterolateral thigh flap as a link

In this report, the authors present the experience on the reconstruction of the totally degloved foot and extremely long soft tissue defect of a lower limb with the combined free tissue transfer using the anterolateral thigh flap as a link in two male patients between October 2009 and December 2010. The anterolateral thigh flap has been commonly used as a link between the recipient site and the distal flap. The anterolateral thigh flap and latissimus dorsi muscle flap were selected for the distal flap, according to their reconstructive needs. Two combined free flaps survived without major complication. The authors could salvage of the lower extremity through the reconstruction of complex wound with the combined free tissue transfer using the anterolateral thigh flap as a link. This combined flap may be an alternative for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defect in the lower extremity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.