The unfavorable anatomy of vastus lateralis motor nerves: A cause of donor-site morbidity after anterolateral thigh flap harvest

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh flap is a popular reconstructive option, with a major advantage being its low donor-site morbidity. However, donor-site morbidity following anterolateral thigh flap harvest does occur, with postulated causes including damage to muscle, deep fascia, and the motor nerves to the vastus lateralis. No anatomical studies have yet described the relationship of these motor nerves to the vascular pedicle of the anterolateral thigh flap. METHODS: Thirty-six human cadaveric thighs underwent dissection studies, and the innervation of the vastus lateralis and the relationship of the nerves to the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery were documente..