Three-dimensional Reconstructive Methods in the Visualization of Anterolateral Thigh Flap

Introduction: Developments in the field of digitalized technique and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction methods allowed a precise description of anatomy structures. With the development of computer reconstructive techniques, we could get more precise anatomic images. Digitized visible models of these structures can be as a useful tool in clinical training. The purpose of this study was to observe the anatomy of arteria circumflexa femoris lateralis (ACFL) flap and to discuss the methods in the visualization of anterolateral thigh (ATL) flap by digitalized technique.

Methods: Six adults volunteer underwent contrast-enhanced CT angiography of pelvic and lower limbs utilizing a 64-row multi-slice spiral CT after median cubital vein injection with Ultravist (3.5 ml/s). 2D images from these data in Dicom format were transformed into computer. Next two adult fresh cadaver specimens, one male and one female, were subject to radiographic CT scanning before and after perfused with lead oxide-gelatine mixture, whose collimation are 0.5 mm (120 kV, 110 mA, 512 x 512 matrix). Through Amira 3.1 (TGS) software, the 2D images in Dicom format were transformed into the 3D models of the entire region. The structures of arteria circumflexa femoris lateralis (ACFL) were observed and the digitized visible models of ALT flap were established through 3D computerized reconstructions methods from these data using Amira 3.1 software. Then merging volume rendering with surface rendered reconstruction from lead oxide-gelatine mixture perfusion database.

Results: The 3D reconstructed visible models established from these datasets perfectly displayed the characteristic of ACFL and ALT flap anatomy.

Conclusion: The digitized models could offer the anatomy of ALT flap perfectly, and the reconstructed methods may be used in other flap reconstruction with 3D demonstration.