An Anatomic Comparison of Septocutaneous Free Flaps from the Thigh Region

Various free flaps have been utilized in the thigh region, however there are few systematic clinicoanatomic studies of the thigh region. The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinicoanatomic characteristics of the free septocutaneous thigh flap. Forty-two dissections were carried out in unenbalmed cadavers. The pedicle was observed in all specimens in the anterolateral thigh (ALT), medial thigh, gluteal thigh, and lateral thigh flaps. The pedicle was observed in 46% of the specimens in the anteromedial thigh flap. The pedicle was observed in 86% of the specimens in the posterior thigh flap. The pedicle length (153 +/- 23 mm) of the ALT flap was the longest pedicle in the thigh flaps. The internal diameter of the pedicle of the ALT flap (3.0 +/- 1.0 mm), which could be used for anastomosis, is the largest in the septocutaneous thigh flaps. The clinicoanatomic characteristics of thigh flaps are clarified.