Lateral genicular artery flap for reconstruction of defects around the knee: a series of 5 cases
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20204146Keywords:
Fasciocutaneous, Knee defects, Reconstruction, Superior lateral genicular arteryAbstract
The lateral genicular artery flap is a fasciocutaneous flap used for knee reconstruction with low donor site morbidity. It is raised from the lower lateral thigh and is based upon the cutaneous termination of superior lateral genicular artery. This flap showed constant anatomy and is reliable for coverage of defects at superior and lateral portions of the knee and the proximal part of the lower leg. The study period was from January 2016 to June 2017 where we operated on 5 patients, 3 for post-traumatic and 2 were post burn contracture excision. The flap was used as a pedicled fasciocutanous and was based on the superior lateral genicular artery. Five cases underwent lateral genicular artery flap of which 4 were males and 1 was a female. Mean defect size was 12 cm×10 cm. All the donor sites were closed with a split skin graft. One patient had distal necrosis which was managed conservatively. The lateral genicular artery flap is a thin, versatile, reliable and easy to harvest flap for reconstructing defects around the knee, with good cosmetic and functional outcome.
References
Wang XC, Lu Q, Li XF, Burd A, Zhao B, Zhang YY, et al. Reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for knee and proximal calf defects. Burns. 2008;34(6):868.
Hayashi A, Maruyama Y. The lateral genicular artery flap. Ann Plast Surg. 1990;24:310.
Cormack GC, Lamberty MA. The blood supply of the skin. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1985;342:354.
Taylor GI, Palmer JH. The vascular territories (angiosomes) of the body: Experimental study and clinical applications. Br J Plast Surg. 1987;40:113.
Arnold PG, Prunes-Carrillo F. Vastus medialis muscle flap for functional closure of the exposed knee joint. Plast Reconst Surg. 68:69:1981.
Elsahy NI. Cover of the exposed knee by the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. Br J Plast Surg. 31:136:1978.
Mathes SJ, Nahai F. Thigh. In: Reconstructive Surgery: Principles, Anatomy & Technique. 1a ed. New York: Chuchill Livingstone. 1997;2:1261-391.
Swartz WM, Ramasastry SS, McGill JR, Noonan JD. Distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap for coverage of wounds about the knee. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1987;80:255-65.
Spokevicius S, Jankauskas, A. Anatomy and clinical applications of a composite cutaneosubcutaneous flap based on the lateral superior genicular vesels. J Reconstr Microsurg. 1995;11:15.
AV Zumiotti. Lateral thigh flap based on the superior lateral genicular artery: anatomical, histomorphometric study and clinical applications. Acta Ortop Bras. 2005;13(1).