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

Objective To provide applied anatomical basis fordesigning of fibularhead flap pedicled with distal inferior lateral genicular artery.Methods Proximal and distal lengths and outer diameters of the inferior lateral genicular artery were observed and measured on 30 specimens of adult lower limb perfused with red latex.Simulating operation of the harvesting the flap was performed on one side of fresh specimen. Results The inferior lateral genicular artery originated commonly from popliteal artery.Proximal length of it was about(4.1±0.5)cm,and the outer diameter about(1.8±0.2)mm.The distal length was abou(t5.3±0.4) cm,the outer diameter about(1.0±0.1)mm.Conclusions Compared to that of proximal arterial pedicle, the fibular head flap pedicled with distal inferior lateral genicular artery is more reliable for operative procedure.