Perforator Angiosomes of the anterior knee region

Abstract

IntroductionIn reconstructive surgery, skin and muscle flaps are raised on the basis of their blood supply. Various perforator angiosomes of different regions (e.g. medial side of the arm, abdomen) have already been described in literature, however, information concerning perforator angiosomes of the anterior knee region is scarce. Therefor, the aim of this study was to describe the individual vascular supply and position of pediculated perforator flaps in the anterior knee region.Material and methodsTwenty lower extremities of fresh frozen specimen donated to the anatomic institute were obtained. After identifying the femoral artery in the middle third of the thigh, 10 ml methylene blue was injected to facilitate the dissection of the different branches. After identification of the different perforators, a cannula was inserted into each perforator and injected with alternating colored solutions to color the appendant perforator angiosome. The width, length, position in relation to the middle of the patella, the diameter of the supplying artery and the diameter of the leg were measured. Every perforator angiosomes was recorded photographically. Afterwards all angiosomes were digitalized and graphically analyzed.ResultsA total of 122 perforator angiosomes were found in 20 legs, there were 6,1 perforator angiosomes per leg in average. The perforator angiosomes measured 7,45 ± 3,42 cm in length, 7,18 ± 2,92 cm in width and the average arterial diameter was 1,52 ± 0,55 mm. The size of the perfused perforator angiosomes had a range from 1cm2 to 28cm2.ConclusionA highly variable arrangement of the different perforator angiosomes in the anterior knee region was observed. Size and shape are highly variable, however the location of the perforator is by contrast very consistent. This information could be helpful in planning reconstructive surgery in this region.Support or Funding InformationThe authors have nothing to declare.