Free Flap Neurotization: Indications, Techniques, and Future Directions | Journal CME Article-Journal CME Article: Free Flap Neurotization: Indications, Techniques, and Future Directions (Video 1 of 1)

Journal CME Article: Free Flap Neurotization: Indications, Techniques, and Future Directions (Video 1 of 1)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript describes preoperative planning and harvest of an anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. Key surface landmarks are marked, including the anterior superior iliac spine, superolateral patella, inguinal crease, and identified A and B perforators. The anticipated course of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is outlined, noting it may run in a supra- or subvascular plane depending on flap size and proximity to the inguinal ligament. During dissection, two large LFCN branches entering the flap are identified and looped; proximally they converge into a single LFCN. The final flap shows a flat pedicle and converging nerve branches.

Keywords

anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap

preoperative surface landmark marking

lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) dissection

perforator identification (A and B perforators)

flap pedicle harvest and anatomy