Applied anatomy of upper fibula ostecutaneous flap pedicled with inferior lateral genicular artery

Objective: To provide applied anatomical basis for upper fibula osteocutaneous flap pedicled with inferior lateral genicular artery. Methods: The origin, course, branches, distribution and anastomosis of inferior lateral genicular artery were observed on 42 specimens of adult lower limb perfused with red latex. Results: The inferior lateral genicular artery originated from popliteal artery (1.9±0.7) cm above the tip level of fibular head, with its diameter of (1.7±0.3) mm. The distance from the starting point of the inferior lateral genicular artery to its first descending periosteal branch was about (3.2±0.8) cm and (3.9±0.2) cm to its first cutaneous branch as well. Conclusions: The inferior lateral genicular artery is feasible to be used as the nutrient vessel of the upper fibula osteocutaneous flap. The flap is harvested with an approximate area of 9.0cm×6.0 cm.