ALT Free Flap as a Crucial Tool in Management of Post Burn Neck Contracture

Abdel Azeem, Khaled M.; Mahyoob, Adel M.; Hawas, Emad M.; Ibrahim, Mostafa F.

doi:10.21608/ejprs.2022.220452

ALT Free Flap as a Crucial Tool in Management of Post Burn Neck Contracture

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ The Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Sewiif University

² The Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Sewif University

10.21608/ejprs.2022.220452

Abstract

Contractures of the neck following burn injuries result in a restricted range of motion and an unattractive appearance. While various reconstruction techniques have been used to treat this condition, a minimal and unsatisfactory outcome is frequently achieved. Free flaps are an excellent single-stage alternative for neck contracture reconstruction following burns. Objective: To evaluate the use of free Antero-lateral thigh flaps in management of post burn neck contracture. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at the Plastic Surgery Departments, Al-Hussien & Bab Elsheria Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Cairo) and Plastic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni Sweif University between January 2017 and May 2018, this study evaluated ten patients with postburn neck contractures managed with Antero-lateral thigh flaps in terms of functional, aesthetic Outcome, technical difficulties, and donor site morbidity. Results: The results indicated that the recipient site improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. Also, the ALT flap has a long vascular pedicle that may reach up to seventeen centimeters in length. Additionally, the ALT flap allows a two-team approach and avoids shifting the patient's location during surgery. Limitations of flap usage are the variable anatomy of its vascular pedicle, the bulkiness of the flap, which necessitates secondary surgery for flap debulking, needs meticulous dissection of the pedicle, and limited width of the flap.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Flaps

References

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