Leg Function and ADL After ALT Reconstruction for Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Neoplasms Clinical Trial

Official title: Does Harvesting an Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Flap Impact Lower Extremity Function and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in Patients Undergoing Reconstructive Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap tissue transfer is a commonly used method of head and neck reconstruction after head and neck cancer removal. The procedure involves removing some muscle, skin, and tissue from the thigh, and this may affect leg function. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of ALT on ambulation and activities of daily living (ADLs)

Clinical Trial Description

The ALT flap may be harvested as a subcutaneous, fasciocutaneous, musculocutaneous, or adipofascial flap. At our institution, three surgeons commonly use this method of free tissue transfer to reconstruct such defects. In our experience, patients following harvest of ALT flap have impairments in lower extremity function that result in decreased independence with transfers, gait and ability to independently perform ADLs. Consequently, these patients receive Physical and Occupational Therapy following surgery and a number of patients go on to receive therapy in a rehabilitation facility and/or as an outpatient. A number of studies have examined donor site morbidity and lower extremity function following ALT flap harvest. These studies, however, are heterogeneous and primarily use patient reported and non-standardized scales as outcome measures. Additionally, there is a paucity of literature related to Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy outcomes and intervention with this patient population, despite frequent referral of these patients for post-surgical therapy.

This investigation will utilize the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, the Functional Independence Measure, dynamometry, video analysis of a single leg squat and walking speed in an effort to better assess the affect of ALT harvesting on patients' functional capacity post operatively. These tests are valid and reliable measures commonly utilized in Physical Rehabilitation. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Free Tissue Flaps
• Head and Neck Neoplasms

• NCT number: NCT02332161
• Study type: Observational
• Source: University of Chicago
• Status: Completed
• Start date: January 2014
• Completion date: June 26, 2017