Predictors of Salvage After Re-Exploration of Compromised Free Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Post-Traumatic Extremity Reconstruction

Introduction

Vascular compromise after free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap reconstruction is a time-critical event and may result in total flap loss despite re-exploration. Although earlier re-exploration is associated with improved salvage, this relationship is often simplified by arbitrary thresholds, and internally validated prediction models remain scarce. We aimed to quantify this relationship and assess the additional predictive value of systemic factors beyond timing.