[Anatomical study and clinical application of a leg flap pedicle-included with cutaneous nerve and its concomitant vessels].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the blood supply patterns and the clinical liability of a leg flap pedicle-included with cutaneous nerve and its concomitant vessels.


METHODS
Fresh cadaver legs with thirty-two in infants and two in adults were anatomically examined after the intravenous injection of the red Chlorinated Poly Vingl Choride (CPVC). Five patients with the soft tissue defects were selected for the treatment with the flap pedicle-included with the cutaneous nerve and its concomitant vessels.


RESULTS
Four main cutaneous nerves were found in the leg after they perforated the deep fascia out. They were companioned with their concomitant vessels with different blood-supply pateeerns, which the upper part of the leg was in an axial pattern and the lower part was in a "chain-type anastomosing" pattern. Following the above-mentioned findings, five cases were successfully treated with this led flap.


CONCLUSIONS
The leg flap should be designed along the cutaneous nerve and its concomitant vessels. When the flap is applied in the area of blood supply with "chain-type anastomosing" pattern, the deep fascia should also be included in the flap.
Liu
B
B
Department of Burns and Plastic Surery, Longery, Long gang Central Hospital, Shen Zhen 518116, PR China.
Hao
X
X
Goan
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation*; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps