title: [Atlas of skin perforator arteries of trunk and limbs - guide in the realization of perforator flaps].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since Harvey, anatomists and surgeons have developed better knowledge of skin vascularization. Descriptive anatomy evolved from the direct and indirect cutaneous arteries concept to that of skin perforator arteries. These skin perforator arteries have preferential locations or clusters. An atlas of skin perforator arteries allows identifying these clusters in relation to anatomical landmarks.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature review was undertaken in order to find the characteristics of perforator arteries originating in the source arteries described by Taylor. This research allowed us to uncover 895 citations. We have selected from this abundant literature source only the articles that specifically treated the perforator arteries localization. All the data concerning the perforator arteries localization, their source artery, the caliber and territory, were analyzed and recorded. We described the perforators that were covered most frequently.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The definition of these clusters is based on a work of collecting and synthesizing of anatomical, radiological and clinical data. The preferential territories or clusters of skin perforators were defined using simple anatomical landmarks. A synthesized iconography was imagined to allow easy and fast usage of the atlas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This atlas is a learning tool that helps realizing locoregional or free perforator flaps. It can form a "winning duo" with the acoustic Doppler in preoperatory design of a perforator flap. This duo is easily available, portable, easy to use, non-invasive and inexpensive. In conclusion, the precise localization of perforator arteries associated to adherence to the big principles and definitions of the perforator flaps will allow users to better understand the surface and orientation of the skin paddle that can be taken on one perforator artery.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice et esthétique, hôpital de la Croix Rousse, centre hospitalier universitaire, hospices civils de Lyon, 103, Grande rue de la Croix Rousse, 69004 Lyon, France. Electronic address: fabienboucher@orange.fr.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Boucher
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mojallal
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D010388:Pelvis / Q000098:blood supply; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D013848:Thigh / Q000098:blood supply
keywords: Anatomic atlas of trunk and limbs; Artères perforantes; Atlas anatomique du tronc et des membres; Cutaneous vascularization; Guide chirurgical; Lambeaux perforants; Perforator arteries; Perforator flaps; Surgical guide; Vascularisation cutanée