The superolateral thigh flap: cadaver and computed tomographic angiography studies with a clinical series.

BACKGROUND

There are few references to the reconstructive possibilities of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery other than the tensor fasciae latae muscle flap and the so-called muscle pedicle bone grafting technique.

METHODS

An anatomical study was performed to evaluate the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its contribution, through direct branches, to the iliac crest and skin.

RESULTS

In nine of 20 dissections, a small branch of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was found to reach the iliac crest in the space defined by the rectus femoris, gluteal muscles, and tensor fasciae latae. After emergence of the tensor fasciae latae pedicle, the ascending branch coursed through an anatomical triangular space before entering the trochanteric skin as a direct terminal branch and running for a considerable distance in a posteroinferior direction in the subcutaneous fat. This pretrochanteric triangle was defined by the tensor fasciae latae, the trochanteric insertions of the vastus lateralis and gluteus medius muscles, and the greater trochanter.

CONCLUSIONS

The superolateral skin of the thigh can be transferred based on terminal branches of the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Although inconstant, a small branch of the ascending branch reaches the iliac crest and might support vascularized bone transfer, although more studies are needed to define its role in composite tissue transplantation. This ascending branch might be a good alternative in pedicle or microvascular skin/fat transfer, breast reconstruction, tendocutaneous reconstructions, or composite tissue transplantation.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.