The use of the anterolateral thigh flap to reconstruct extremity defects in a paediatric population

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is one of the most versatile in adult soft tissue reconstruction. Free tissue transfer has its own associated risks within the paediatric population. We report a series of four ALT flaps performed in children over a 12-month period. Three patients had tissue defects resulting from trauma, while another had break down of the previous wound following amputation. We experienced an overall flap success rate of 100% and had only minor complications of partial wound dehiscence in one patient and superficial infection in one patient. The function and cosmetic outcome of these patients at review was excellent. Despite the technical difficulties associated with microsurgery in this age group, the results of this small study suggests the versatility of the ALT flap in adults may be equivalent to a paediatric population. The psychological impact of any free tissue transfer on both children and their parents should not be underestimated.