Resurfacing tophaceous gout in the foot with anterolateral thigh flap.

Abstract

We report the case of a 46-year-old patient who suffered from huge tophus masses involving the metatarsal joints of the big toes of both feet, with infection and skin necrosis secondary to chronic tophaceous gout. After conventional curettage and debridement of each lesion, a free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) was used to resurface the circumferential wound, protect the underlying structures, and provide a gliding surface for the exposed tendons. The flap was safely raised and debulked during revision surgery, and excellent functional and cosmetic results were apparent at the 2-year follow-up. We consider ALTF to be a valuable option for the coverage of necrotic skin over tophi after adequate debridement.