International journal of surgery
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The reconstruction of extensive three-dimensional defects in the extremities is a difficult challenge. Many attempts have been made to reconstruct such defects using the chimeric flap concept, enabling flaps with larger surface areas to be used while maintaining economical tissue use. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) chimeric flap is one of the most useful tools for the reconstruction of complex three-dimensional defects in the extremities. ⋯ The various tissue components and maximal freedom offered by chimeric tissue flaps associated with the same descending branch of the LCFA provide versatile coverage of large, complex, and irregular soft-tissue defects in the extremities.