The anatomic basis on transplantation of tissue flap pedicaled with lateral femoral circumflex artery

Objective: To provide anatomic basis for transplantation of tissue flap pedicaled with lateral femoral circumflex artery. Methods: 50 adult lower limb specimens were dissected. The type of branches and distribution of lateral femoral circumflex artery were observed. Results: There were 3 types of branches for lateral femoral circumflex artery: The ascendmg, transverse and descending branches carne from lateral femoral circumflex artery directely belonged to l Ⅰ types, which occupied about 76%. In type Ⅱ , the ascending , transverse and descending branches were sent from profunda femoris artery patterned with two shafts or from femoral artery, the pencentage was about 20%. The ascending ,transverse and descending branches originated from profunda femoris artery solely belonged to Ⅲ type, which occupied about 4%. The ascending branches supplied tensor fasciae latae and anterolateral part of iliac crest continuously. The transverse branches reached the superior part of vastus lateralis and anterolateral part of greater trochanter, while the descending branches distributed to vastus lateralis and the skin of anterolateral region of thigh. Conclusions: In most specimens, lateral femoral circumflex artery can be taken as supplied vessel to form tissue flaps as follow:① Tensor fasciae latae myocutaneous flap and iliac bone flap pedicaled with ascending branches. ② Bone flap or periosteum flap of greater trochanter pedicaled with transverse branches. ③ Skin flap of anterolateral region of thigh. In addition, ascending and transverse branches or descending branches can form two corresponding tissue flaps by the pattern of converging into one shaft in 20% specimens.