Anatomic basis of sensation restoration of distally based island flap pedicled with nutrient vessels of superficial peroneal nerve

Abstract

Objective To provide anatomic basis for sensation restoratiou of distally based island flap pedicled with nutrient vessels of superficial peroneal nerve by use of lateral sural cutaneous nerve. Methods The origin, course and distribution rule of lateral part sensory nerve of leg were dissected and observed in 40 antisepticized adult cadaveric limbs. Results ①Lateral sural cutaneous nerve originated from common peroneal nerve 7cm above apex of fibular head, descended short distance along common peroneal nerve, then passed through pepliteal fascia to facies lateralis cruris,along the way it sent out 1-3 terminal branches, which distributed over the skin of Ⅰ , Ⅱ area in the posterior lateral leg. ②Superficial peroneal nerve originated from common peroneal nerve 1.9cm below apex of fibular head, descended forward between peroneus longus and fibula, then descended between peroneus longus and peroneus brevis, and sent out branches to the two muscles. The nerve bole (pure sensory nerve branch) descended straight between peroneus brevis and anterior cmral intermuscular septum, at the juncture between Ⅱ、Ⅲ area in facies lateralis eruris, passed through deep fascia to subcutaneous tissue, then sent out medial dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot and intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot, which distributed over the skin of dorsum of foot and Ⅲ area in facies lateralis cmris. Conclusion It may be available in sensation restoration of distally based island flap pedicled with nutrient vessels of superficial peroneal nerve through anastomosis of lateral sural cutaneous nerve bole with sensory nervous ramification of recipient site. Key words: Surgical flap; Superficial peroneal nerve; Lateral sural cutaneous nerve; Microsurgery