Delineation the anatomy of posterior tibial artery perforator flaps using human cadavers with a modified technique

Background

To delineate the distribution and course layer of the perforator vessels using a modified technique.

Methods

Twelve perforator flaps were obtained from the crura of six fresh adult cadavers. The flaps were randomized into three groups (n = 4 per group): the full-thickness flap group; the deep fascia-free flap group, and the subcutaneous adipose layer-free group. The flaps were smoothened on a silk screen on a batten frame and the isolated flaps were perfused at a perfusion pressure of 140 mmHg for 10 min via the trunk of the posterior tibial artery. Perforator flaps were photographed using a digital camera and radiographed using a mammography device. The imaging data were processed by digital software system.

Results

The mean number of the posterior tibial artery perforator was 4.17 ± 0.94. The three relatively constant perforators varied in the projection points as well as the diameter and the length. The vascular branches and courses of the perforators were clearly visible on the mammograms. Elimination of all the deep fascia or the subcutaneous adipose tissues in the distal portion had no significant impact on the blood supply of posterior tibial artery perforator flaps while the vascular areas of the artery perforators were significantly reduced after the subcutaneous adipose tissue was eliminated in the proximal portion.

Conclusions

We developed an effective modified technique for delineating the vascular territory on perforator flaps of different thicknesses. Our results provide significant guidance for clinical surgeons by providing them with more detailed anatomical knowledge of perforator flaps.

     

The little finger ulnar palmar digital artery perforator flap: anatomical basis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the cutaneous vascularization of the hypothenar region and investigate the anatomical basis for perforator propeller flaps for coverage of the flexor aspect of the little finger.

Methods

The area between the pisiform and the base of the little finger was studied in 14 hands of fresh cadavers injected with red latex. An oval flap 1.5 cm large was raised along the axis between these two points. Perforators going into the flap were dissected up to their origin from the ulnar palmar digital artery of the little finger, and their distance from the proximal edge of the A1 pulley was recorded.

Results

The mean number of perforator arteries entering the flap was 5.8 (range 4–8). A constant sizeable perforator was identified within 0.7 cm from the proximal margin of the A1 pulley in all 14 specimens. In the majority of cases (64 %), the most distal perforator was located at this level. Dissection of the flap was carried out suprafascially on the most distal perforator and 180° rotation allowed the flap to reach the flexor surface of the fifth finger. The donor site was closed primarily.

Conclusion

Distal perforators of the ulnar palmar digital artery of the little finger are constantly found. Our anatomical findings support the possibility of raising a propeller perforator flap from the hypothenar region for coverage of the flexor aspect of the little finger. Its clinical application could provide a quick and straightforward single-stage option with a negligible donor-site morbidity for reconstruction of such defects.     

The second dorsal metacarpal artery chain-link flap: an anatomical study and a case report

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to discuss the distribution characteristics and the anatomical angioarchitecture of cutaneous branches arising from the second dorsal metacarpal artery for the repair of small tissue defects in the hand or fingers using the second dorsal metacarpal artery chain-link flap.

Methods

Fifteen fresh human cadaveric hands were studied using three methods: latex perfusion for microanatomical analysis, denaturation of material and vinyl chloride mixed packing for cast specimens, and latex perfusion creating pellucid specimens. Cutaneous perforators with a diameter of 0.2 mm or greater were evaluated using statistical analysis. Cluster analysis was conducted to determine the overall distribution of the perforators.

Results

Two main clusters of perforators distributed at a relative distance of 40.8 and 68.6 % from the second web space edge to the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone as a unit. The Chi-square analysis revealed no significant differences in either the radial or ulnar side distribution of the cutaneous perforators from the second dorsal metacarpal artery (p = 0.779). Chain-links formed among adjacent perforators were parallel to the axis of the second metacarpal bone on the dorsum of the hand. Based on the anatomic characteristic, we designed the second dorsal metacarpal artery chain-link flap to recover the defect in the index finger. As a result, the patient was satisfied with the appearance and function.

Conclusion

This study indicates that there are two main clusters of arterioles in the distal second dorsal metacarpal artery that can be helpful for the second dorsal metacarpal artery pedicle cutaneous chain-link perforator flaps in the repair of defects in the fingers.

     

Anatomic basis and clinical application of the distally based medialis pedis flaps

Background

Soft-tissue defects of the forefoot are difficult to cover adequately, particularly, although multiple options for reconstruction are available. This study especially focused on the vascularization of the medial side of the foot and the determination of the contribution of the nutrient vessels to medialis pedis flap viability.

Methods

Thirty cadavers were available for this anatomical study. Microdissection was conducted under a microscope, and details of the course and distribution and the communication of the first plantar metatarsal artery with the fascial vascular network of the medial side of the foot were recorded. Clinically, six cases of soft-tissue defects at the forefoot region were reconstructed with distally based medialis pedis flap.

Results

The perforator of the first plantar metatarsal artery pierces in the superficial fascia of the medial aspect of the foot 2.2 ± 0.7 cm proximal to the first metatarsophalangeal joint, vascularize the skin of the medial plantar region. The anatomical study showed that the vasculature pattern could roughly be classified into two types. In terms of clinical application, all flaps completely survived, and one patient had partial loss of skin graft.

Conclusion

The perforators of the medialis pedis flap are presented constant. The forefoot region can be repaired by the distally based medialis pedis flap on the perforator of the medial plantar artery of the hallux or the first plantar metatarsal artery perforator with medial plantar vein, medial plantar cutaneous nerve and nutrient vessels.

     

Study of the tendinous vascularization for the compound radial forearm flap plus flexor carpi radialis tendon

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the tendinous vascularization of flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and investigate the anatomical basis for harvesting the compound radial forearm flap (free or pedicled) with the vascularized tendon for the reconstruction of cutaneotendinous defects.

Methods

The area of the radial forearm flap was studied in seventeen forearms of fresh cadavers injected with red latex. A lozenge-shaped flap about 9 cm long and 4 cm wide was raised along the axis of the radial artery. Dissection of the flap was carried out subfascially. We searched perforators going into the flap and the nutritive branches for the tendon sheath of FCR were dissected up to their origin from the radial artery. Their distance from the scaphoid tubercle was recorded.

Results

We found nutritive branches for all the length of the tendon. The mean number of perforators going into the tendon sheath was 9.5 (range 8–12). Constant sizeable branches larger than 0.2 mm were identified from the scaphoid tubercle to the myotendinous junction; their distance from the scaphoid tubercle ranged between 0.5 and 12.5 cm. We found an average 0.8 perforators/cm of tendon (range 0.7–1). The donor sites were always closed primarily.

Conclusions

Nutrient branches of the radial artery for the tendon of FCR were constantly found. Our anatomical findings confirm the possibility of raising a compound radial forearm flap including a sure vascularized tendon of FCR. Its clinical application provides a quick and straightforward single-stage option for the reconstruction of complex cutaneotendinous defects.

     

Can we consider standard microsurgical anastomosis on the posterior tibial perforator network? An anatomical study

Purpose

The main vessels in an injured leg can be spared with perforator-to-perforator anastomosis. However, supermicrosurgery is not a routine procedure for all plastic surgeons. Our objective was to establish if the diameter of the perforators of the leg could allow anastomosis with standard microsurgical procedures.

Methods

Twenty lower legs harvested from ten fresh cadavers were dissected. Arterial and venous vessels were injected with colored latex. The limbs were then dissected in a suprafascial plane. All the perforating arteries of a diameter >0.8 mm were located and their external diameter, the number and external diameter of the venae comitantes were reported.

Results

We found at least three tibial posterior artery perforators with diameters >0.8 mm per leg with a mean external diameter of 1.1 mm and one vena comitans in almost all cases (96 %). The vena comitans was usually bigger than the perforating artery with a mean diameter of 1.6 mm. After statistical analysis, we were able to locate two main perforator clusters: at the junctions of the upper two-thirds of the leg and of the lower two-thirds of the leg.

Conclusion

The low-morbidity concept of perforator-to-perforator anastomosis can apply to posterior tibial artery perforators without using supermicrosurgical techniques. This is of high interest for open leg fractures where main vessels could be injured. We hope that the results of our study will incite surgeons to consider sparing of main vessels for coverage of open leg fractures whether surgical teams master supermicrosurgery or not.     

前臂后外侧中段穿支蒂皮神经营养血管皮瓣的应用解剖

目的为前臂后外侧中段穿支蒂皮神经营养血管皮瓣提供解剖学基础。方法在30侧动脉内灌注红色乳胶的成人上肢标本上解剖观测:①前臂后皮神经走行与分布;②前臂后外侧中段穿支与前臂后皮神经营养血管间的吻合关系。另在1侧新鲜标本上进行摹拟手术设计。结果①前臂后皮神经主干行于前臂背侧,约在指伸肌与尺侧腕伸肌之间下行达腕背部,分布于前臂后外侧1/3区域;②营养血管为多节段、多源性,其中前臂后外侧中段穿支的位置相对恒定,在指伸肌与桡侧腕短伸肌的肌间隙、旋后肌与拇长展肌之间(肱骨外上髁下12.5～15.8cm范围内)穿过深筋膜至皮下,并分出众多的细小血管与前臂后皮神经的神经旁和神经干血管链的分支密切吻合,在指伸肌与桡侧腕短伸肌之间形成顺沿肌间隙和前臂后皮神经纵轴的血管丛。结论可以前臂后外侧中段穿支为蒂形成皮神经营养血管皮瓣转位修复前臂、腕部软组织缺损。     

The gluteal sling: an anatomical study

Introduction

Sciatic nerve palsy is a devastating complication which may be seen after acetabular exposure in total hip resurfacing via a posterior approach. An anatomical structure termed as the “gluteal sling” was suggested to play a role in sciatic nerve palsies during this operation. “Gluteal sling” is formed by the attachment of the deep fibers of the inferior part of the gluteus maximus on the gluteal tuberosity of the femur and the lateral intermuscular septum. It is suggested to be released to avoid such compressive injuries. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how much of the gluteal sling should be released to decrease the tension on sciatic nerve during posterior hip arthroplasties. We also aimed to study the anatomical structures at risk during releasing procedure.

Materials and methods

The gluteal sling was examined in 17 sides of 9 adult cadavers. Its relation with the sciatic nerve, first perforating artery, the tip of greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity were evaluated.

Results

The closest distance between the gluteal sling and the sciatic nerve was measured as 1.9 ± 0.6 cm. This point was corresponding to the distal 2/3 part of the gluteal sling. The distance of the proximal edge of the gluteal sling to the first perforating artery was 3.7 ± 0.9 cm, while its ascending branch was closer, being 1.8 ± 0.8 cm.

Conclusions

Theoretically, it is enough to release the proximal 2/3 of the gluteal sling to avoid its compression on the sciatic nerve. However, further clinical studies would need to be undertaken to properly determine the effects of this procedure.     

The posterior pedicled inferior turbinate–nasoseptal flap: a potential combined flap for skull base reconstruction

Objectives

To develop a combined pedicled flap comprising the mucoperiosteum and mucoperichondrium of the inferior turbinate, lateral nasal wall, nasal floor, and nasal septum based on the posterior lateral nasal artery, a branch of the sphenopalatine artery, for the reconstruction of skull base defects resulting from endoscopic expanded endonasal approaches.

Methods

Eleven fresh adult cadaver heads were dissected. Arterial distribution patterns of the inferior turbinate, lateral nasal wall, nasal floor, and nasal septum were investigated. The posterior pedicled inferior turbinate–nasoseptal flap was designed, measured, and harvested, and its ability to cover ventral skull base defects was examined.

Results

The inferior turbinate artery and/or posterior lateral nasal artery had 3.19 ± 1.47 (range 2–7) branches [mean outer diameter of largest branch, 0.40 ± 0.10 (range 0.24–0.60) mm] that anastomosed with the nasoseptal artery. These anastomosing arteries allowed the posterior lateral nasal artery to supply arterial blood to the nasoseptal mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum. Mean flap length was 100.65 ± 5.61 (range 91.43–109.44) mm, and minimum and maximum widths were 25.21 ± 2.29 (range 22.36–30.23) and 44.53 ± 5.02 (range 36.45–54.10) mm, respectively. Mean flap area was 3090.69 ± 288.08 (range 2612.97–3880.09) mm². The flap covered defects extending from the frontal sinus to the foramen magnum in all specimens.

Conclusions

Harvesting of a posterior pedicled inferior turbinate–nasoseptal flap is feasible. It should be considered a useful option for the reconstruction of large defects involving the anterior skull base, planum sphenoidale, sella turcica, and/or clivus.

     

小腿胫后动脉及其穿支皮瓣在下肢难治性创面修复中的应用

目的探讨以胫后动脉及其穿支为血管蒂的小腿内侧皮瓣修复下肢软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法切取小腿内侧皮瓣,其中带血管蒂转移32例,交腿转移2例,游离移植2例和穿支皮瓣带蒂转移6例,修复下肢软组织缺损创面。结果临床应用小腿内侧皮瓣共42例,其中完全成活39例,经6个月～2年的随访,皮瓣成活良好。皮瓣部分坏死2例,经换药和植皮,创面愈合,完全坏死1例,需另行修复。结论小腿内侧皮瓣具有供血丰富、抗感染能力强、血管蒂长的优点,特别适合用于修复小腿下段和足部的难治性创面,疗效满意;其穿支皮瓣用于修复踝部和足跟,可避免损伤主要动脉。     

游离骨间后动脉3叶皮瓣设计的解剖学研究

目的　为临床设计以骨间后血管为蒂的游离3叶皮瓣提供解剖学依据。 方法　新鲜前臂标本8侧,以肱骨外上髁至尺骨茎突桡侧连线为轴线,将前臂划分为4个均等区间,解剖观察远端3个区间中骨间后动脉发出的穿支的位置、走形和分支数,在深筋膜浅层和深层的穿支蒂长度。选取1例标本进行3叶皮瓣设计切取模拟手术。 结果　骨间后动脉在前臂平均发出4~7个穿支,其中区间I穿支数为2~4个,区间II穿支数为2~3个,区间III穿支数平均为1~3个;区间I、II、III穿支起点到深筋膜的蒂长分别为0~0.6、0.2~1.2、0.5~1.8 cm, 穿支起点到浅筋膜层的蒂长分别为1.2~2.7、1.2~4.5、1.8~4.5 cm。 结论　以骨间后动脉为蒂,利用其不同部位的穿支组合,设计游离3叶皮瓣具有临床可行性。     

Comparative morphometry of the antebrachial and crural interosseous membranes: preliminary study for the use of the crural interosseous membrane in the surgical repair of the antebrachial interosseous membrane tears

Introduction

Traumatic tears of the antebrachial interosseous membrane (AIOM) on its whole length are difficult to treat, particularly in the Essex-Lopresti syndrome. The number of ligamentoplasty techniques described in the literature witnesses the difficulty of its reconstruction and the absence of reliable and satisfying procedure. The aim of this study was to explore a new way of treatment, which consists in replacing the AIOM by the crural interosseous membrane (CIOM), harvested from the same patient.

Materials and methods

A morphometric study of the AIOM and CIOM has been conducted on both sides of 15 formalin preserved corpses (i.e. 30 AIOM and 30 CIOM). Studied data were: length of forearms and legs, length and width (at different locations) of the membranes, in situ and after harvesting, and orientation of their fibers. The thickness of membrane was also measured but only after harvesting.

Results

Concerning the AIOM, the mean length was 13.3 cm in situ and 12.8 cm after harvesting. Its width was maximal at the union of middle and distal thirds with an average value of 1.7 cm in situ and 1.45 cm after harvesting. Mean thickness was 1 mm. Anterior fibers were oblique distally and medially (20.5° ± 0.95°), and posterior fibers were oblique distally and laterally (40° ± 3.4°). Concerning the CIOM, the mean length was 24.75 cm in situ and 23.9 cm after harvesting. Its width was maximal at the union of proximal and middle thirds with an average value of 2.3 cm in situ and 1.85 cm after harvesting. Mean thickness was 0.5 mm. Obliquity of its fibers was reverse of that of the AIOM: the anterior fibers were quite oblique distally and laterally (13° ± 2.6°), and the posterior fibers oblique were oblique distally and medially (24.2° ± 2.48°).

Discussion

From these results, one may conclude that the largest length and width of the CIOM allow its use as substitute for the injured AIOM. The orientation of its fibers should necessitate either its reversal while using the same side or the use of the CIOM of the opposite side; its relative sharpness could signify that its biomechanical properties could be worse. A biomechanical study is necessary to evaluate how this new way of replacing the AIOM could resist to the strains imposed on the forearm.     

Anatomical study of the medial patello-femoral ligament: landmarks for its surgical reconstruction

Purpose

The aim of this dissection study was to describe the anatomical insertions of the medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL), and to assess its relationship with surrounding structures to improve its surgical reconstruction.

Methods

Twelve knees (7 cadavers) were included for the study. Measurements and general features of the MPFL were assessed: lengths, widths and insertions.

Results

The MPFL was found in all knees, presenting a triangular shape, and extending from the medial part of the patella to its femoral insertion (its length was of 59 ± 6.6 mm), distal to the adductor tubercle. The mean femoral insertion of the MPFL was 7.2 ± 2.7 mm proximal and 7.4 ± 4.0 mm posterior to the medial femoral epicondyle (MFE). It was also at a mean 11 ± 2.8 mm distal and 1.3 ± 2.1 mm posterior to the adductor tubercle, and 22 ± 6.4 mm anterior to the posterior condyle. We did not find any double-bundle organization on the patellar insertion. The width of the MPFL was 8.8 ± 2.9 mm at the femoral insertion, 27 ± 5.9 mm at the patellar insertion, and 12 ± 3.1 mm in the middle of the MPFL. The vastus medialis obliquus was found to be inserted on the superior part of the MPFL.

Conclusion

The adductor tubercle appeared to be a better landmark than the MFE for the femoral tunnel positioning during surgical reconstructions of the MPFL because it was easier to identify and its relationship with the femoral insertion of the MPFL was constant (10 mm below).     

Squared ligament of the elbow: anatomy and contribution to forearm stability

Objective

The present study describes the macroscopic and microscopic features of the squared ligament of the elbow (SLE). In addition, the SLE biomechanical behavior and contribution to the forearm stability were also examined.

Materials and methods

Ten forearms from freshly frozen cadavers were used for this work. Each forearm was mounted in an experimental frame for quantification of longitudinal and transverse stability. Macroscopic features and biomechanical behavior were analyzed on dynamic videos obtained during forearm rotation. Then, the SLE was harvested from the 10 forearms for microscopic analysis on histological slices stained with hematoxylin-eosin-saffron.

Results

Two main SLE configurations were identified. One in which the SLE had three distinct bundles (anterior, middle, posterior) and another in which it was homogeneous. The anterior part of the SLE had a mean length of 11.2 mm (±2.4 mm) and a mean width of 1.2 mm (±0.2 mm) while the posterior part had a mean length of 9.9 mm (±2.2 mm) and a mean width of 1 mm (±0.2 mm). Microscopic examination showed that the SLE is composed of a thin layer of arranged collagen fibers. During forearm rotation, the SLE progressively tightens upon pronation and supination by wrapping around the radial neck. Tightening of the SLE during forearm rotation provides transverse and longitudinal stability to the forearm, mainly in maximal pronation and supination.

Conclusion

The SLE is a true ligament and provides forearm stability when it is stretched in pronation and supination.

     

皮肤穿支血管的解剖学研究

目的：对全身皮肤血管区域进行定性和定量分析，确定全身皮肤穿支血管的位置、数量、口径、穿支蒂的长度、类型、来源血管以及穿支所供应皮肤的面积，为穿支皮瓣提供血管解剖基础。方法：选用10具新鲜尸体，采用改良氧化铅一明胶灌注技术进行动脉灌注。将每个口径大于0．5mm的穿支血管进行解剖并记录。拍摄X线片以显示皮肤内血管的形态和分布。定量数据分析包括全身各部位的穿支血管的数量、口径、类型及其供应区域的面积。结果：发现全身128支起源血管发出440支穿支供应皮肤。其中肌皮穿支与肌间隔穿支之比为3：2。穿支平均直径为0．7mm。穿支血管的分布规律如下：①躯干皮肤的血供主要来自肌皮穿支，这些穿支在皮肤内的走行距离和分布范围大于肢体皮肤的穿支。②肢体皮肤的血供主要来自肌间隙穿支血管，主要分布在深筋膜表面，皮神经和浅静脉周围穿支之间形成链式血管吻合。③单位面积的穿支数量与皮肤的移动程度成反比，穿支的口径大小和穿支在皮肤内走行距离与皮肤移动度成正比，与穿支的供应面积成正比。结论：本研究提供详细的皮肤穿支血管解剖数据，为临床设计应用穿支皮瓣提供解剖学依据。     

The significance of tibial and common peroneal nerves in nerve blocks

Purpose

The aim of this study was to elucidate the anatomical location of tibial nerve (TN) and common peroneal nerve (CPN) in the popliteal crease for specific nerve block.

Methods

Fifty fresh specimens from 27 adult Korean cadavers (16 males and 11 females, age 35–87 years) were investigated. Five of the 27 cadavers were used to determine the depths of nerves in cross-section.

Results

Tibial nerve was located 50 % from the most lateral point of the popliteal crease and 1.4-cm deep to the surface. In 20 % of the 50 specimens, the medial sural cutaneous nerve branched out below or at the popliteal crease, whereas the CPN was located at 26 % from the most lateral point of the popliteal crease and 0.7-cm deep from the surface. Furthermore, in 6 % of specimens the lateral sural cutaneous nerve branched out below or at the popliteal crease.

Conclusion

The results concerning the location of the TN and CPN at the popliteal crease offer a good guide to optimal nerve block.     

人体皮肤微血管构筑的三维可视化

背景：常用的血管解剖学研究方法如逐层解剖、血管染色、造影摄片可以确定血管的位置、大至供血范围等,但难以显示皮肤微血管立体构筑。 目的：建立三维的皮肤微血管构筑模型,以评估和设计穿支皮瓣。 方法：选取2具新鲜成人尸体标本,以羧甲基纤维素明胶氧化铅灌注标识血管,CT扫描获取标本灌注前后及剥离皮肤序列图像数据,利用Mimics13.1软件进行皮肤微血管三维重建和穿支皮瓣设计。 结果与结论：实验成功重建了骨骼、血管、皮肤三维数字模型,并选择性设计了旋股外侧动脉皮瓣和旋肱后动脉的主要穿支皮瓣。构建的皮肤微血管模型不仅可显示皮穿支的长度管径、立体位置、走行方向、分布范围、毗邻关系,还可追踪其来源血管,与来源血管、骨骼、皮肤等搭配显示。说明皮肤微血管构筑可揭示穿支皮瓣的范围和扩张方向,有利于穿支皮瓣的设计发掘、血供评估。     

前臂后外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复手指皮肤缺损的应用解剖

目的　介绍前臂后外侧穿支皮瓣游离移植修复手指皮肤缺损的应用解剖。 方法　解剖观测40侧成人尸体上肢标本,在手术显微镜下进行局部解剖。观测前臂后外侧皮肤的营养动脉、回流静脉、神经支配。 结果　自桡骨Lister结节及肱骨外侧髁连线中点附近指伸肌和桡侧伸腕肌肌间隙内有一恒定的皮支动脉营养前臂后外侧皮肤,该动脉有两条伴行静脉,神经支配为前臂后皮神经分支,血管蒂长度为（4.12±0.26）cm,血管起始处外径为（0.91±0.07）mm,管径与指动脉相仿。 结论　前臂后外侧可以形成以桡骨lister结节及肱骨外侧髁连线中点附近的指伸肌和桡侧腕伸肌肌间隙穿支为蒂的穿支皮瓣游离移植修复手指皮肤缺损。     

尺动脉穿支皮瓣的应用解剖学研究

目的　为尺动脉穿支皮瓣的临床应用提供解剖学依据。 方法　观察10具动脉铸型标本。取新鲜成人尸体25具(50侧),行一次性全身动脉造影。通过直接层次解剖,应用图像分析和测量系统Scion image,对前臂内侧区穿支进行定性、定量分析;螺旋CT扫描数据以Dicom 格式输入Mimics 图像工作站,对尺动脉穿支皮瓣进行三维重建。 结果　该区共有外径≥0.5mm 的穿支(7.0±2.0)支,外径(0.6±　0.2) mm,蒂长(2.7±1.4)cm,单穿支的供血面积(26.0±7.0)cm2。尺动脉除在远端发出粗大的尺动脉腕上皮支,在肱骨内上髁以下8～10cm处也有较粗、恒定的穿支,尺动脉多个穿支相互吻合形成前臂内侧血管链。 结论　可以尺动脉近端穿支为基础设计游离皮瓣,以内侧血管链为基础设计长而窄的增压穿支皮瓣也是切实可行的。     

Variations of the cerebellar arteries at CT angiography

Purpose

There are few studies that investigated variations of the cerebellar arteries, and the prevalence of some variations has not been reported. We aim to identify and evaluate variations of the cerebellar arteries using CTA.

Methods

The findings in 341 patients who underwent 64-slice CTA were reviewed for anatomical variations of the cerebellar arteries. We assessed variations and classified our findings to describe the results of our analysis. We attempted to create an anatomical model for CTA that is somewhat different from previous studies and described our findings according to vascular anatomy.

Results

Only 11.7 % of the 341 patients had all the cerebellar arteries without anatomical variations. Vertebral artery continuation as posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) was found in 4.4 % of the patients. Absence of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) was observed in 36.1 %, and absence of the PICA was observed in 6.7 % of the patients. The origin of the PICA was extradural in 71 (20.8 %) patients. Double origin of the PICA, PICA duplication, and fenestration were rarely found. Duplication of the AICA (7.9 %), and superior cerebellar artery (SCA) (20.5 %), and early bifurcation of SCA (9.4 %) were frequently observed. Superior cerebellar artery and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) common trunk and SCA originating from PCA were found 9.4 and 8.2 %, respectively.

Conclusion

Variations of the cerebral arteries can be easily evaluated by CTA. Recognizing and reporting them at cerebral CT angiography may be clinically important.