Anatomic variations of the blood supply of the soleus muscle.
A total of 36 cadaver and fresh amputation specimens were studied by dissection. Two vascular patterns were identified--a segmental posterior tibial artery (Type 1) and a proximally dominant posterior tibial artery (Type 2). Type 1 was seen in 77.8% of cases, and Type 2 in 22.2%. Injection studies in five fresh specimens demonstrated numerous cross-connections between the two halves of the muscle. A distally based hemisoleus flap should not be performed when a Type 2 vascular pattern is encountered. Also, vascular cross-connections between the two halves of the soleus muscle should be preserved, when possible.
Sadasivan
K K
KK
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport 71130.
Ogden
J T
JT
Albright
J A
JA
D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D009132:Muscles / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000637:transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps