Applied anatomy of free flap transplant with long superior genicular vessles in reconstruction of lower leg's smashed wound

Abstract

Objective Anatomical researches of two long superiror genicular vessels,the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and the descending genicular artery(DGA),were performed to discuss the feasibility of reconstruction in lower leg's destruction injury by free flaps transplant anastomoses with these two long superior genicular vessels.Methods Thirty embalmed lower limb specimens from adult cadavers perfused with red latex were used for this anatomical study.The superior of patella,anterior inferior iliac spine and adductor tubercle were used as observation landmark.Dissection started along the line that from the middle point of Inguinal Ligament to the middle point of superior line of patella,and dividedly turned over to posterior lateral part and posterior medial part.The followings were focused observed:①The external diameter at the beginning of the D-LCFA ; the 0.5 mm external diameter point of this artery,and its length to the beginning and superior of patella.②The external diameter at the beginning of DGA,the distance between the beginning of DGA and adductor tubercle.③Anastomoses relations of final branches of D-LCFA and DGA with other arteries around the knee.Results The external diameter of the beginning of D-LCFA was (2.73 ± 0.35) mm ; the 0.5 mm external diameter point of this artery's length to the beginning and to the superior of patella were (24.56 ± 0.92) cm and (6.09 ± 0.86) cm; both D-LCFA and DGA had sent out many perforator arteries on their ways; the final branch of D-LCFA and DGA had lots of anastomoses relations in perioseal deep fascia and superficial fascia with other genicular arteries.Conclusion Base on the anatomical researches,in theory,the two long superior genicular vessels (D-LCFA and DGA) have enough lengthes and blood supply to regress and anastomosis with free flaps transplant to repair lower leg's smashed wound. Key words: Lateral circumflex femoral artery; Descending genicular artery; Free flap; Applied anatomy