A distally based anterolateral thigh (dALT) flap is an alternative option for reconstructing defects around the knee. This article presents our clinical experience with the use of the dALT flaps based on the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) to reconstruct defects in the genicular and popliteal regions. Methods: Between 2008 and 2016, seven patients (4 males and 3 females, between 3-58 years old, mean =34 years) underwent reconstruction of defects around the knee

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... ng a dALT flap based on the LCFA oblique branch. Defect etiologies included malignant neoplasm (3 cases) and post-burn scar contracture (4 cases). Results: Reconstruction was successfully performed in all patients. The average flap size was 16.3 cm long (range, 9-24 cm) and 7.3 cm wide (range, 6-8 cm), while the mean pedicle length was 17.7 cm (range, 12-22 cm). The oblique branches originated from the LCFA descending branch in 6 patients and the transverse branch in one patient. One patient had a severely hypoplastic LCFA descending branch and thus the flap was based on the rectus femoris branch. In another patient, the pedicled dALT flap was converted to a free flap because the oblique branch originated from the transverse branch. All flaps survived without any major complications. Conclusions: Our experience demonstrated that we can reliably raise a dALT flap based on the oblique branch when it arises from the LCFA descending branch and sends cutaneous perforators to the anterolateral thigh region. based anterolateral thigh flap pedicled on the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. J Xiangya Med 2018;3:17.