Reconstruction of Postburn Bone Exposed Defect in the Head and Face Using Two Separate Anterolateral Thigh Chimeric Flap: A Case Report

Abstract

AbstractReconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the head and face region requires attention to both functional and aesthetic outcomes. In general, large postburn scars are still a daunting challenge for plastic surgeons. Various types of free flaps were previously performed for head and face reconstruction, including the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. However, to fully cover large and complex defects, the skin pedicle needs a sufficient width. Thus, we have combined dual ALT flaps that were harvested from both the lateral thighs. In this article, we described the case of a 49-year-old female who was presented with a severe scar on the right side of the head and face and zygomatic along with the exposure of temporal bones after extensive burns. Two ALT flaps were supplied by perforators of the descending branches of lateral circumflex femoral arteries. These two source arteries were anastomosed end-to-end to merge into a chimeric flap. The 6-month follow-up revealed an acceptable aesthetic outcome. The effectiveness of the ALT chimeric flap for reconstructing head and face postburn contracture is discussed.