Applied anatomy of fibular head epiphysis flap pedicled with inferior lateral genicular artery

Objective To provide applied anatomical basis for design of child fibular head epiphysis flap pedicled with inferior lateral genicular artery.Method The origin,course,branches,distribution and anastomosis of inferior lateral genicular artery were observed on 22 specimens of 2-16 year-old child lower limb perfused with red latex.Result The inferior lateral genicular artery originated from popliteal artery(1.6±0.5)cm above the tip level of fibular head,with its diameter of(1.3±0.4)mm.The distance from the starting point of the inferior lateral genicular artery to its first descending periosteal branch was about(2.5±0.6)cm,and(2.9±0.2)cm to its first cutaneous branch as well.Conclusion The inferior lateral genicular artery is feasible to be used as the nutrient vessel of the child fibular head epiphysis flap.The flap is harvested with anapproximate area of 10.0cm×6.0cm.