The ramification of the superficial branch of the superior gluteal artery. Anatomical basis of a new gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap.

In order to design a new gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap, the ramification of the superficial branch of the superior gluteal artery was investigated in 56 sides of 33 Japanese cadavers. The superficial branch constantly divides into two main branches, which are called the ascending and transverse branches in this study. Of the ascending and transverse branches, one or both usually give off at least one well developed division running on the undersurface of the gluteus maximus muscle (98.2%). This division, which is called the intermediate branch in this study, generally reaches the superior edge of the muscle giving off only a couple of muscular branches and pierces the muscle and its deep fascia to supply skin (83.6%). Perforators of the intermediate branch constantly emerge from the fascia near the middle or lower one-third point on a line extending from the middle of the iliac crest to the tip of the greater trochanter.