Pedicled sural flaps versus free anterolateral thigh flaps in reconstruction of dorsal foot and ankle defects in children: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: This systematic review compared free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps versus pedicled distally based sural artery (DBSA) flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of dorsal foot and ankle in children. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify cases where an ALT or DBSA was used to reconstruct the dorsal foot in children. A total of 19 articles were included in the systematic review. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients underwent an ALT reconstruction and 138 patients underwent a DBSA reconstruction. Patients who had a DBSA were more likely to require grafting of the donor site (P<0.001). The size of ALT flaps was significantly larger than DBSA flaps (P=0.002). Subsequent flap thinning was required in 30% of patients after ALT and 12% of patients after DBSA reconstruction (P<0.001). Complications occurred in 11.6% of DBSA and 8.4% of ALT flaps (8.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Both flaps are valid options in reconstructing pediatric foot and ankle defects. Each flap has advantages and disadvantages as discussed in this review article. In general for larger defects, an ALT flap was used. Flap choice should be based on the size of the defect.