ALT Flaps

Abstract

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is one of the most versatile and reliable of the thigh-based free flaps. The ALT flap is indicated for reconstruction of a diverse range of defects of various surface area and depths; it can be used as a “ultra-thin” flap for resurfacing, rolled up for filling in dead space, or taken with muscle to obliterate spaces or provide bulk. The flap has been used in trauma salvage as a flow-through flap, as a tissue carrier to “piggy back” additional flaps. The flap can be raised as a pedicled (proximally or distally) or a free flap, either supra- or subfascia with or without muscle or additional tissue components.