A.L.T. -Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap
ALT flap incision drawn on the lateral side of this patient’s left thigh. Once the elliptical-shaped flap is removed, the wound is closed into a linear scar.
ALT flap after it was removed from the patient
ALT flap after it was microsurgically reattached over exposed bone of the lower leg.
A.L.T. is a a ‘Perforator’ flap which means that the flap (transplanted tissue) depends on a perforator vessel for its vascular supply (blood flow and nutrients).
ALT provides a large amount soft supple fat and skin which is used to cover various defects. It represents an excellent alternative to Radial Forearm Free Flaps, the old gold standard when thin pliable tissue was required. Unlike Radial Forearm Free Flap which leave a very unsightly scar on the forearm, and ALT flap leaves only a linear scar on a patient’s thigh. It is one of the most versatile flaps available and there are many variations on it. ALT adipofascial free flap is a variant that takes only the fibrous fascial tissue out of the thigh and is used when extremely thin tissue is needed. This may be the case for finger or hand coverage, or for the foot. ALT flap can also be taken with its surrounding tissue such as a muscle or additional fascia, when massive defects need to be covered, such as on the abdomen or chest.
ALT is taken from the lateral aspect of the patient’s thigh and can be used to cover any defect anywhere on the body. It is often used extremities as well as for head and neck regions.
