Descending genicular artery. Branching patterns and measuring parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of several anatomical studies.

BACKGROUND

The medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap is based on the descending genicular artery (DGA), which is a vessel with different variations in its course and branching patterns. Many studies have dealt with the vascular anatomy of the MFC. However, the results of the investigations differ markedly.

METHODS

The authors performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE for articles published until May 2017 on the vascular anatomy of the DGA. After the screening, 23 relevant studies with a similar topic were included into this comprehensive analysis.

RESULTS

The systematic review examined the lengths and diameters of the individual arteries with regard to the vascularized bone flap of the MFC. The DGA is present in 94% of cases with an average length of 1.8 cm. In 63% of the investigated cases, the DGA divides into three terminal branches. The articular branch has an average length of 7.7 cm, the saphenous branch has a length of 10.7 cm, and the muscular branch has a length of 3.2 cm.

CONCLUSION

To ensure a secured survival of this free flap, a detailed understanding of the convoluted vascular anatomy above the MFC is necessary. We recommend the Dubois classification for a systematic classification of the anatomical patterns of the DGA.We present a summary of all anatomical studies dealing with the vascular supply to the MFC and the DGA to date.