Easier and Safer Harvesting of the Anterolateral and Anteromedial Thigh Flap

Abstract

 Flap elevation of the anterolateral (anteromedial) thigh flap can be difficult due to the complexities of anatomical variation, although it provides both thin and pliable skin and a long vascular pedicle. Detailed anatomy, and the selection and preparation of the perforator are described in this article. Furthermore, methods or dealing with the problem when perforators are not found at their normal location are also described. Motor nerve branches that run along the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, the derivative large branch and the dominant perforator should be preserved during harvesting of the flap, with minimum donor site morbidity.