Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects in the Distal Lower Extremity: Free Chain-Linked Bilateral Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps versus Extended Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flaps

Background: Reconstruction of the large soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity still constitutes a challenge for plastic surgeons. This retrospective study was conducted to compare the surgical and clinical outcomes of the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of the large soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2021, 34 patients aged between 20 and 66 years received chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (15 cases) or extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps (19 cases) for the reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects in the lower extremity. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age, etiology, comorbidities, and flap area. In addition, the intraoperative data, outcomes, complications, and long-term follow-up results were collected and analyzed. Results: The extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap group had a shorter operation time (271.8 ± 59.5 min vs. 429.6 ± 51.9 min), harvest time (58.9 ± 24.8 min vs. 152.7 ± 41.4 min), and anastomosis time (27.2 ± 10.4 min vs. 53.7 ± 8.1 min) than the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps group (p < 0.05). Based on patient self-assessment, the donor site temporary muscle weakness in the extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap group was significantly more than that in the chain-linked bilateral anterolateral thigh perforator flaps group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both methods can repair large defects and restore the function of the injured limbs at a single stage. However, considering the operation time and flap-harvesting time, the authors recommend the extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, especially for those who cannot tolerate a prolonged surgery.