Case series of two successful pelvic ring reconstructions using a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap

Abstract

Open pelvic ring fractures can have devastating functional consequences including prolonged disability, chronic pain, infection, and even death. These injuries are uncommon but often involve soft tissue defects. Without early and appropriate coverage, patients are likely to sustain infection, which can be fatal. Here, we present the successful use of a pedicled ALT flap in two patients with soft tissue defects due to open pelvic ring injury. The pedicled ALT flap can be harvested as a composite flap comprising a portion of the skin, fascia, and muscle depending on the defect. Although the ALT flap has often been employed for abdominal wall and abdomino-perineal reconstruction, this is the first case series to report the use of the ALT flap in a subacute traumatic setting for pelvic ring reconstruction.

Keywords

• Antero-lateral thigh
• Flap
• Pelvic
• Ring
• Fracture