The viability of skin flaps.

The historical development of skin flaps is outlined, and in particular their division into two types: random, which are supplied by small musculocutaneous vessels; and axial flaps, which are supplied by named cutaneous vessels running within the flap. Experiments are described into the viability of random skin flaps, using the pig as an experimental model. These experiments confirm that random flaps should not be designed longer than their base and probably should not exceed 12.5 cm (5 in) in length.