胫后动脉皮支筋膜皮瓣的解剖及临床应用

目的 为小腿内侧筋膜皮瓣的临床应用提供解剖学依据,并经临床应用验证其实用价值。方法 采用２０侧成人下肢标本,分别从股动脉和肌间隙皮动脉灌注红色乳胶和墨汁后,解剖观测胫后动脉在不腿内侧发出的是隙皮动脉的数目、行程、管径、高度及分布范围。结果胫后动脉在小腿上、中、下、＝３段均发出数量不等的肌间隙皮动脉,每个皮动脉有１～２条静脉伴行。以皮动脉为蒂设计小腿内侧顺行或逆行筋膜皮瓣可修复小腿和足部的软组织缺     

Blood supply of the lower extremity

The blood supply to the lower extremity has been reviewed, and the concept of direct arterial or axial supply at the groin, fasciocutaneous perforators, and septocutaneous blood vessels in the lower leg has been outlined. The major myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous units in the lower extremity have been outlined and their applications described. All of the reconstructive flaps available are based on a clear understanding of the underlying blood supply. We have tried to look toward what might be multiple contributions of blood supply that may change flap design in an anatomic territory or alter the flap concept entirely. An example would be a myocutaneous flap and its overlying fasciocutaneous territory, or a flap based on a septocutaneous perforator. The plastic surgeon has truly benefited from more in-depth study of the lower extremity blood supply.     

Alternative Regional Flaps When Anterolateral Thigh Flap Perforator is not Feasible

This paper presents the scheme to select alternative flaps limited to the region of the ipsilateral thigh when the perforator of the anterolateral thigh flap is not feasible. Total of 564 consecutive microsurgery cases using anterolateral thigh perforator flap was reviewed from March of 2001 to January of 2009. Total of 12 cases used a contingent flap due to anatomical and technical complications of the anterolateral thigh perforator. The alternatives were skin perforator flaps adjacent to the initial flap (3 cases of upper anterolateral thigh flap, 4 cases of anteromedial thigh flap), vastus lateralis muscle flap with skin graft (2 cases), and anterolateral thigh flap as septocutaneous flap without a prominent perforator on the septum (3 cases). All flaps survived and provided coverage as planned but one case using septocutaneous flap without a prominent perforator was noted with partial necrosis. Adjacent flaps around the anterolateral thigh perforator flap may provide useful alternative flaps in cases of failed elevation. Limiting the contingent secondary flap to this region may reduce further donor site morbidity and still provide an adequate flap for reconstruction.     

Variations in perforators of anterolateral thigh flap

In our study of anterolateral thigh flaps, ten patients had musculocutaneous perforators (58%), four patients had septocutaneous perforators (24%), and three patients had both types of perforators (18%). Average number of perforators found in each flap was 1.9 (range 1–4). The maximum number of perforators in a single case was four. A single perforator was found in seven patients. In patients with both types of perforators, larger flaps could be harvested and there were no complications. The study was carried out over a period of 3 years and included 17 patients treated with free anterolateral thigh flaps in our hospital from April 2004 to August 2007. All age groups and both sexes were included in the study. A cadaveric study was done on ten fresh cadavers in the anatomy department of the same hospital. Although the majority of free anterolateral thigh free flaps are based on musculocutaneous perforators and fewer flaps are based on septocutaneous perforators, our study shows that this versatile free flap can be based on a combination of both septocutaneous and musculocutaneous perforators. Though our cadaveric study did not show any flap to be based on the combination of both types of perforators, our clinical study in which we had three cases of this type definitely shows that the ALT flap can be based on a combination of both septocutaneous and musculocutaneous perforators. Further in these cases with both types of perforators, larger flaps could be harvested and with greater flap success.     

Changes in the peroneal flap and its use in reconstructive surgery of the lower limb. Apropos of an experience of 10 cases]

A peroneal fasciocutaneous flap supplied by the peroneal septocutaneous vessels and raised from the lateral side of the lower leg was reported by Yoshimura in 1983. This flap which can be used as a proximally or distally pedicled or free flap is very useful for leg skin coverage. This flap has a great potential for skin cover and composite reconstruction of the lower limb due to its multiple structural facets (cutaneo-aponevrotic or composite flap), its possible extensions to other vascular territories and the variable geometry of its mode of transfer. 8 reconstructions have been performed. Their indications are described: 4 proximally pedicled flaps (3 with the fibula), 4 reverse-flow island flaps (1 with Soleus and Peroneus longus muscles). The authors stress the importance of preoperative assessment of the feasibility of a given flap which may be limited by post-traumatic, surgical or anatomic modifications. In particular, the uppermost septocutaneous artery which corresponds inconstantly to the "circumflex peroneal artery" can only be visualized by preoperative arteriography. This artery supplies a proximal peroneal flap which can be used as an island or a free flap. We have used this new variety as a free flap in 2 cases and were satisfied with the results. These various clinical applications without any significant complication or flap failure confirm the biological performance and the safe procedure of peroneal flaps.     

腓动脉穿支跨区供血的腓肠神经营养血管逆行岛状皮瓣的解剖和临床应用

目的　观察小腿皮肤腓浅动脉与腓动脉穿支之间的吻合联系 ,设计以腓动脉穿支为蒂的岛状皮瓣。方法　 10具新鲜尸体 2 0侧肢体血管灌注氧化铅—明胶混合液 ,通过X线片显示小腿皮肤内的血管结构和血管之间的吻合。在此基础上应用了跨区供血的腓动脉穿支蒂逆行岛状皮瓣 2 6例。结果　解剖研究表明小腿腓肠神经营养血管主要来自腓浅动脉。在外踝后上方 4～ 7cm处腓动脉穿支与腓浅动脉或动脉网形成广泛吻合。以腓动脉穿支为蒂设计包含腓肠神经及其伴行的腓浅动脉和小隐静脉的返流岛状皮瓣 2 6例 ,皮瓣全部成活。结论　跨区供血的腓动脉穿支为蒂的岛状皮瓣 ,为修复小腿远端及足跟部软组织缺损提供了一种简单有效的方法。     

Aesthetic reconstruction of lower leg defects using a new anterolateral lower leg perforator flap.

Our objective in this study was to report on the successful clinical use of a new perforator flap obtained from the proximal quarter of the anterolateral lower leg. Eight patients had the procedure either as a result of trauma (seven patients) or to treat Marjolin's ulcer (one patient). During the procedure, a line was drawn from the anterior fibular head to the anterior lateral malleolus. Then, using Doppler, a septocutaneous perforator from the fibular head to the proximal quarter point of the line was identified. The subfascial dissection was continued to the detected perforator. Along the perforator in the anterior intermuscular (peroneal) septum, a deep dissection was performed. The perforator was then separated and the flap harvested. The septocutaneous perforator was the perforator of the superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery in three cases, the perforator of the superior lateral peroneal artery in one case, and the perforator originating directly from the anterior tibial artery in four cases. Seven of eight cases were treated successfully. The results obtained were satisfactory, both aesthetically and functionally. This flap is a valuable alternative to the various perforator flaps from the lower leg. This flap has the advantage of being very thin, which makes it suitable for reconstruction of defects in the foot, ankle, pretibial area, and knee. However, one limitation of this procedure is that the diameter of the perforator was approximately 0.6-1.2 mm.     

Scrotal septocutaneous island flap for the reconstruction of the urethral fistula

We report the reconstruction of the urethral fistula using a scrotal septocutaneous island flap. A scrotal septocutaneous island flap is supplied by vascular networks in the scrotal septum area from both perineal arteries and posterior scrotal arteries. This flap is divided into two flaps, one for urethral lining and the other for the skin defect. We found it to be a simple, useful, and reliable alternative to other local flaps. However, hairless skin of the scrotum must be used for the urethral lining. The musculocutaneous flap is also reliable. However, use of the scrotal septocutaneous island flap can save the musculocutaneous flap for secondary procedures.     

An ideal and versatile material for soft-tissue coverage: experiences with most modifications of the anterolateral thigh flap

Free anterolateral thigh flaps are a popular flap used for the reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. From April, 2002 to June, 2003, 32 free anterolateral thigh flaps were used to reconstruct soft-tissue defects. Twenty-three of these flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction, and nine were used for head and neck reconstruction. There were 24 male and eight female patients, with ages between nine and 82 years. The size of the flaps ranged from 11 to 32 cm in length and 6 to 18 cm in width. Five flaps required reoperation for vascular compromise in four patients and for twisting of the pedicle in another patient. While four of these were salvaged, one flap was lost due to recipient vessel problems. Musculocutaneous perforators were found in 23 cases, and septocutaneous perforators were found in nine cases. In four cases, thinning of the flap was performed. The flap was used as a flow-through type for lower extremity reconstruction in three patients. In two patients, the flap was used as a neurosensory type for foot reconstruction. Eighteen cases underwent split-thickness skin grafting of the donor site and, in the remaining cases, the donor sites were closed primarily. In three patients, the donor areas required a partial skin regrafting procedure. No infections or hematomas were observed. Despite some variations in its vascular anatomy, the anterolateral thigh flap offers the following advantages: 1) it has a long and large-caliber vascular pedicle; 2) it has a wide, reliable skin paddle; 3) it may be harvested as a neurosensory flap; 4) it can be harvested whether its pedicle is septocutaneous or musculocutaneous; 5) it can be designed as a flow-through flap; 6) it can be elevated as a thin or musculocutaneous flap; and 7) the procedure can be performed by two teams working simultaneously, and no positional changes are required.     

Reversed sural island flap supplied by the lower septocutaneous perforator of the peroneal artery

The current study was conducted to document the vascular anatomy of the distally based superficial sural artery flap and to study the vascular anastomoses between the superficial sural artery and the septocutaneous perforator of the peroneal artery. Five fresh human cadavers were injected with lead oxide, gelatin, and water. Ten legs were then dissected and an overall map of the cutaneous vasculature by source vessel was constructed. Vascular communication between the superficial sural artery and the lowest septocutaneous perforator of the peroneal artery was evaluated to determine the cutaneous vascular territory of the superficial sural flap. This anatomic information enhances our understanding of flap design. The authors' clinical experience with the usefulness of the distally based island flap as a method of reconstruction in the lower leg and foot in a series of 26 patients is presented.     

小腿前外侧岛状皮瓣修复胫骨外露的解剖研究与临床应用

目的 探讨小腿前肌间隔动脉链为蒂的岛状皮瓣修复胫骨外露的术式及手术方法.方法 40侧成人尸体下肢标本经动脉灌注红色乳胶,4侧新鲜成人尸体下肢标本动脉造影,观测小腿前肌间隔内的胫前动脉穿支与腓动脉终末前穿支的位置、走行、外径及相互吻合.临床应用小腿前外侧岛状皮瓣转位修复胫骨外露11例.男7例,女4例;年龄20～59岁,平均36岁.结果 40侧标本腓骨长度为(32.3±2.4)cm.胫前动脉发出腓浅动脉、胫前动脉下段前肌间隔穿支,与腓动脉终末前穿支在小腿前肌间隔内相互吻合,形成动脉链,这三条动脉外径分别为(1.4±0.4)mm、(1.0±0.4)mm及(1.5±0.4)mm,动脉链吻合处外径为(0.6±0.2)mm.动脉链伴腓浅神经走行,营养神经和小腿前外侧皮肤.临床应用小腿前外侧岛状皮瓣修复胫骨外露的11例中,以胫前动脉下段前肌间隔穿支为蒂2例,以胫前动脉下段前肌间隔穿支的升支为蒂3例,以胫前动脉下段前肌间隔穿支的降支为蒂3例,以腓动脉终末前穿支升支为蒂3例.皮瓣切取面积7 cm×5 cm～13 cm×5 cm.随访1～3年,平均1.5年,11例皮瓣全部成活,无破溃、臃肿.结论 根据皮肤缺损部位、面积等灵活选用小腿前肌间隔内动脉链为血管蒂,设计前外侧岛状皮瓣修复胫骨外露,术式灵活,是修复胫骨外露的理想皮瓣.

Abstract：

Objective To explore surgical methods of repairing tibial skin defect using the anterolateral crural island flap.Methods The location,external diameters,anastomosis and distribution of perforators from the anterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery in the anterior septum were observed in 40 cadaveric specimens.Arterial angiography was performed in 4 fresh legs.Clinically,11 cases with tibial skin defect were repaired with the anterolateral crural island flap.There were 7 males and 4 females,with an average of 36 years (20-59 years).The area of the skin defect ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 12 cm×4 cm.Results An arterial chain was formed by the interconnection of the superficial peroneal artery,the anterior septocutaneous perforator from distal part of the anterior tibial artery and the anterior end-perforator of the peroneal artery.It ran in the anterior septum and went along with the superficial peroneal nerve to supply blood to adjacent fascia and skin.The external diameters of the three perforators were (1.4±0.4) mm,(1.0±0.4) mm and (1.5±0.4) mm respectively,and the external diameter of the arterial chain was (0.6±0.2) mm.Clinically,we designed 4 methods to repair 11 cases of tibial skin defect successfully with the anterolateral cnnal island flap.The anterior septocutaneous perforator from distal part of the anterior tibial artery was used as pedicle in 2 cases;ascending branch of the anterior septocutaneous perforator from distal part of the anterior tibial artery was used as pedicle in 3 cases;descending branch of the anterior septocutaneous perforator from distalpart of the anterior tibial artery was used as pedicle in 3 cases;ascending branch of the anterior end-perforator of the peroneal artery was used as pedicle in 3 cases.The area of the flaps ranged between 7 cm×5 cm and 13 cm×5 cm.All patients were followed up with a mean time of 1.5 years.All flaps survived totally without diabrosis and swelling.Conclusion The anterolateral island flaps pedicled with perforators arising from the anterior septum of the lower leg is a good choice for surgeons to repair tibial skin defect.     

The free ulnar forearm flap

Many flaps have been described based on the septocutaneous perforators; these have many advantages for the coverage of soft tissue defects. The ulnar forearm flap described by Lovie is a septocutaneous flap based on the septocutaneous perforators of the ulnar artery. We report the use of this flap in 2 patients who required soft tissue coverage. The ulnar forearm flap has the advantages of thin and pliable skin, constant and large pedicle, and the technical possibility of combination with the muscles, sensory or motor nerve, and ulna. Comparing it with the radial forearm flap, there is no possibility of exposure of flexor tendons, which usually results in the good take of skin grafts. After skin grafting, the donor scar is unnoticeable because of its position on the forearm. This flap is for the coverage of thin defects that require mobility, such as in the extremities or the intraoral region. It also could be used for the coverage of hand or arm defects as a distally or proximally based island flap, respectively.     

The free or pedicled anteromedial thigh flap

The anteromedial thigh flap first described by Song is a septocutaneous artery flap based on the septocutaneous perforator originating from the lateral circumflex femoral vessels and long saphenous vein. The use of this flap for 3 patients who required soft tissue coverage is reported herein. The most important advantage of this flap is that it can be used not only as a skin flap but also as a vascularized fascia graft and fasciocutaneous free flap for the full-thickness defect of the abdominal wall and cranial region.     

Magnetic resonance angiography for free fibula flap transfer

Recent refinements of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) allow imaging vessels as small as the septocutaneous perforators (< or = 1 to 2 mm diameter), but a Medline review reveals no report of septocutaneous vessel imaging for free flap surgery. Challenges in fibula free flap preparation include knowledge of: (1) tibioperoneal anatomy, (2) the positions of the perforator vessels on the peroneal artery and their course in the posterolateral intermuscular septum, and (3) the cutaneous distribution of the perforators. Questioning whether high-resolution MRA could image these, we studied the lower extremities of nine healthy volunteers. MRA demonstrated tibioperoneal anatomy in sufficient detail to exclude anatomic variants and significant peripheral vascular disease and showed septocutaneous perforators arising from the peroneal artery and coursing in the posterolateral intermuscular septum to the skin. High-resolution MRA provided anatomic and clinical information that conventionally has been impossible to obtain preoperatively or has required multiple tests, often of an invasive nature.     

The anterolateral thigh flap; variations in its vascular pedicle

The anterolateral thigh flap is based on the septocutaneous perforators of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Little has been written about anomalies of its vascular pedicle. We report two variants of the pedicle vessel in eight patients in whom this flap was used, and absence of the perforators in five other cases in whom it was attempted. The anterolateral thigh flap has the advantages of thin and pliable skin, long and large pedicle, inconspicuous donor scar and the technical possibility of combination with fascia, sensory nerve and iliac bone. If the perforators are absent, a tensor fasciae latae musculocutaneous flap or anteromedial thigh flap is available with only minor changes of the flap outline.     

上臂内侧筋膜皮瓣的临床应用

目的　探讨上臂内侧由肱动脉肌间隔皮支供血的筋膜皮瓣的临床应用。方法　 1994年以来 ,应用由肱动脉内侧肌间隔皮支供血的上臂内侧筋膜皮瓣修复腋窝、肘关节屈侧瘢痕挛缩和胸前放射性溃疡 18例。其中顺行皮瓣 3例 ,逆行皮瓣 15例 ;皮瓣最大范围为 2 3 cm× 11cm ,最小为 10 cm× 6 cm。结果　术后皮瓣全部成活 ,肘部及腋窝功能、外形良好。结论　上臂内侧筋膜皮瓣薄 ,质地柔软 ,无毛 ,适合修复腋窝及肘关节部位软组织缺损 ,且手术操作简便 ,血供可靠。     

Role of Interosseous Recurrent Artery Perforators in the Posterior Interosseous Artery Flap

The Posterior Interosseous Artery flap is a fasciocutaneous flap based on the Posterior Interosseous artery which lies invested by the fascial septum between the Extensor carpi ulnaris and Extensor Digiti Minimi where it gives off septocutaneous branches that spread out on the deep fascia to form longitudinal fascial arcades as well as supply the deep extensors. The conventional flap based on these perforators is restricted to the middle-thirds of the dorsum of forearm. Preservation of the perforators from the Interosseous Recurrent Artery by proximal ligation of the Interosseous Recurrent Artery and by protecting the index septum prolongation carrying the perforators of IRA can help us to recruit larger tissue in the flap. A total of 20 clinical cases and 10 cadaveric dissections were done to objectively define this technique.     

Large transverse fasciocutaneous leg flap: whole leg flap.

Large defects of leg and sole often need massive tissue transfer. As an alternative to microvascular transfer, we have developed a fasciocutaneous flap in which almost the whole of the skin of the opposite leg is transferred based just on the septocutaneous perforators of the posterior tibial artery. The flap has been used as a cross-leg fasciocutaneous flap with potential for use as a free flap by taking a segment of the posterior tibial artery. Our experience with 11 cases is presented. Two patients suffered marginal necrosis while donor site problems were seen in another two patients. We have found this flap to be safe, technically easy and with minimal donor-site morbidity.     

An anatomical study of the saphenous nerve, artery, and artery perforators within the thigh using cadaveric dissection

Although the saphenous flap has been used in reconstruction as a free flap, there has not yet been an anatomic study about the perforators of the saphenous artery. The aim of this study is to investigate the anatomy of the saphenous artery and the number and locations of its perforators. We dissected parts of 10 legs from 5 cadavers. Measurements of the positions of the dissected saphenous arteries and their perforators were taken from the medial epicondyle of the femur. We observed the origin, end point, and the diameter of each of the arteries, and we investigated the numbers and locations of both septocutaneous and musculocutaneous perforators. The average length of saphenous artery was 14.8 cm, and it was located 12.0 cm above the medial epicondyle of the femur. The average diameter was 1.63 mm. A median average of 4 perforators branched out from a single saphenous artery. There was a median average of 2 septocutaneous perforators and 2 musculocutaneous perforators from the saphenous artery. The perforators were mainly located at 7 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle of the femur. The saphenous artery has many perforators and is therefore useful as the pedicle of the perforator flap. The saphenous artery perforator flap can be designed within 7 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle of the femur. Our results may be helpful in the applications of the neurocutaneous flap using the saphenous artery or the perforator flap based on septocutaneous perforators.