[Clinical applications of the postfemur island flap pedicled with the postfemur neurocutaneous nutrient vessel].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the application of the island flap based on the postfemur neurocutaneous nutrient vessel.


METHODS
The flap was designed and applied to repair the defects in the gluteal, popliteal fossa or the bilateral postfemur areas. A total of 11 cases (12 defects) were treated with this method. The size of the defects ranged from 4.0 cm x 7.8 cm to 8.3 cm x 16.6 cm.


RESULTS
Of the 12 defects, 9 achieved complete success. Epidermal necrosis occurred in the distal part of the flap in 3 defects owing to venous stasis, which were cured with skin grafting. Postoperative follow-up for 8-19 months showed that the appearance, texture, and function of the flap were satisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
The advantages of the flap lie in the reliable blood supply, constant anatomy, and without sacrificing a major artery. The key points for the flap survival are utilizing the "Superficial vein-nutrient vessel of the cutaneous nerve system" and retaining a comet tail-shaped soft-tissue pedicle in the flap creation.
Li
Chu-zhong
CZ
Department of Plastic Surgery, Weifang Municipal Hospital, Shandong, Weifang 261021, China.
Hao
Jin-zhi
JZ
Zhang
Yi-xin
YX
Feng
De-kuan
DK
Wang
Long-jiang
LJ
Xiao
Peng-kang
PK
Chen
Peng-yun
PY
Wang
Si-feng
SF
D001158:Arteries; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D013848:Thigh; D014945:Wound Healing