Applied anatomy of saphenous nerve nutritional vessels flap pedicled distally

Objective: To provide anatomic basis for the saphenous nerve nutritional vessels flap pedicled with the intermuscular septum branches of posterior tibial artery.Methods:The nutritional vessels of great saphenous vein, saphenous nerve and anastomosis of arteries were observed on 30 adult cadaveric low limb specimens,which was perfused with red gelatin.Results:The intermuscular septum branches of posterior tibial artery had 2-3 branches with the average diameter being (1.1±0.3) mm. The perforating branches of bone cutaneous had 1-2 branches with the diameters being (1.0±0.3) mm. The diameters of perforating branches of medial anterior malleolar were (0.6-0.8)mm, and that of superior malleolus were (0.8±0.3) mm. Above-mentioned perforating branches had a plentiful of anastomosis.The nutrient vessels formed the anterior,the center and the posterior strips for anastormosis of vascular plexus and the periosteal,deep fascia,nerve and superficial vein vascular plexus.Conclusion:The results suggest that there are multi-sources of blood supply to the 1/3 segment at the medial of the leg. The nutrient vessels of skin,fascia,periosteum, great saphenous vein and saphenous nerve derived from the same source. The saphenous nerve nutritional vessels flap pedicled with intermuscular brandles of posterior tibial artery can be designed.