Further experience with the medial circumflex femoral(GRACILIS) perforator free flap.
The microsurgical transfer of the medial groin skin territory previously required this to be part of a transverse-oriented gracilis musculocutaneous free flap. As the concept of muscle perforator flaps has evolved, avoidance of muscle bulk and/or retention of muscle function here is also possible with the careful intramuscular dissection of the gracilis musculocutaneous perforators back to the usual medial circumflex femoral source vessel. This so-called medial circumflex femoral (GRACILIS) [MCF (GRACILIS)] perforator free flap has been successfully used seven times in six patients with minimal complications. The MCF (GRACILIS) muscle perforator flap may well represent the ideal skin flap: no muscle function is sacrificed; a reliable skin territory of large size is available; the dominant vascular pedicle is consistent in location; the flap may be harvested with the patient in a supine position; a combined conjoint flap including the gracilis muscle is optional; closure of the donor site leaves a medial groin scar that can be readily concealed; and flap dissection in this region is already very familiar to most microsurgeons.
Hallock
Geoffrey G
GG
Division of Plastic Surgery, The Lehigh Valley Hospitals, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103, USA.
D000328:Adult; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery