Optical Three-Dimensional Imaging for Objective Evaluation of the Donor Site after Anterolateral Thigh Flap Surgery

TL;DR

This paper introduces a 3D imaging method to objectively assess thigh shape changes after a specific surgery.

Contribution

The study introduces an objective, reproducible method using optical 3D imaging for evaluating donor site changes after ALT surgery.

Findings

ALT flap removal caused significant thigh volume reduction compared to unoperated thighs.

Flap area strongly correlates with changes in thigh circumference and volume.

Optical 3D imaging shows strong correlations between flap ratio and thigh morphology changes.

Abstract

Background: The high volume of the fasciomyocutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps (ALT) is suitable for the reconstruction of pronounced soft tissue defects. At the same time, harvesting ALT results in a drastic change in thigh shape. Here, we present an optical three-dimensional imaging method for thigh comparison, which can be an objective and reproducible method for evaluating donor sites after ALT harvesting. Methods: In total, 128 thighs were scanned with an optical three-dimensional scanner, Vectra XT ®. Sixty-eight non-operated right and left thighs were compared and served as a control. Sixty thighs were scanned in the ALT group. The average surface area deviations, thigh volume, thigh circumference, and flap ratio to thigh circumference were calculated. The results were correlated with Δthigh circumference and Δvolume of the unoperated thighs of the control group. Results: No significant difference between the thigh volumes of the right and left thighs was found in the control group. Removal of an ALT flap showed a significant (p < 0.007) volume reduction compared to unoperated thighs (2.7 ± 0.8 L and 3.3 ± 0.9 L, respectively). Flap area correlated strongly with the Δthigh circumference (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) and Δvolume (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Strong correlations were observed between flap ratio and thigh circumference with Δhigh circumference (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and Δvolume (r = 0.46, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Optical three-dimensional imaging provides an objective and reproducible tool for detecting changes in thigh morphology volume differences after ALT harvesting.

Figures