[Anatomical and clinical studies on the free posterior leg flap pedicled with the lateral popliteal cutaneous artery].

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of free transference of the posterior leg flap which is supplied by the lateral popliteal cutaneous artery.

Methods: Anatomical dissection is performed in twenty-two freshly amputated adult lower extremities.

Results: The discovery rate of the lateral popliteal cutaneous artery is 100%. The vessel is 20.0 +/- 5.7 cm in length with an exterior diameter of 1.28 +/- 0.25 mm at the junction of the popliteal artery. The course of the artery is constant, and it is usually accompanied by the lateral sural cutaneous nerve. Seven operations using this free flap have been performed successfully.

Conclusion: The flap is suitable for repairing medium-sized soft tissue defects or for functional reconstruction.