Head and neck reconstruction using lateral thigh free flap: Flap design

Eleven lateral thigh free flaps were used in head and neck reconstruction, transferred on the basis of the second perforator as well as the third perf orator of the profunda femoris artery. The lateral thigh free flap was usef ul and reliable in head and neck reconstruction and was versatile in flap d esign. Due to the wide cutaneous territory of the lateral thigh flap, the s kin island could be designed freely in the lateral thigh region. Careful pa tient selection is mandatory for good results. The pinch test and an unders tanding of the variety of subcutaneous thicknesses in the lateral thigh reg ion are helpful in designing a skin island of adequate thickness. Other con siderations in flap design are discussed. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.