title: The vascular anatomy and dissection of the free scapular flap.
abstract: This article refers to the author's personal experience with a new scapular flap based on the dissection of 35 cadavers. In total, 70 free flaps were dissected. Its main advantages are the following: constancy of vascular anatomy; adequate size, length, and diameter of its vascular pedicle (which is formed by the cutaneous scapular artery and two veins); easy surgical dissection; primary closure of the donor site; and limited scar. However, this technique is not recommended in cases in which a large loss of substance is to be replaced. The first successful surgical application of the microsurgical scapular flap was performed in Paris in October of 1979.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001415:Back / Q000098:blood supply*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012540:Scapula; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps