Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2023, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 132-136.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2023.2.03

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Anatomical study and clinical significance of superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap 

He Xiaoqing1, Yang Xi1, Shi Yan1, Xu Yuexian1, Fang Xiang1,2, Fan Xinyu1, Wu Yaling1, Xu Yongqing1*   

  1. 1. Department of Orthopedics, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese PLA, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China; 2.  Clinical Medical College, Dali University, Dali 671000, Yunnan Province, China
  • Received:2022-09-02 Online:2023-03-25 Published:2023-04-11

Abstract: Objective   To observe the anatomical characteristics of superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap, so as to provide theoretical basis for flap application.   Methods   From January 2017 to December 2019, the intraoperative anatomical observation of the lateral sural artery perforator flap surgery was performed, and a total of 17 consecutive cases were observed. From the beginning of the operation, the flap size, the source of perforator, the origin and end of the perforator, the perforator length, the number and inner diameter of the perforator, and the adjacent relationship between the perforator and the lateral sural nerve were recorded.    Results    Among 17 cases of flap surgery, 15 cases were harvested as superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap, the occurrence of superficial lateral sural artery was 88.2%. Among 15 cases of superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap, 86.7% of perforators originated from the popliteal artery, and 13.3% of perforators originated from the lateral sural artery. The origin of perforator was 86.7% above the popliteal fossa, with an average distance of 1.5 cm from the popliteal fossa. One artery and one vein accounted for 73.3%, and one artery and two veins accounted for 26.7%. Superficial lateral sural artery were (3-7) cm in length, with an average of 4.8 cm. Arterial inner diameter was (0.4-0.8) mm, with an average of 0.59 mm; vein inner diameter was (0.4-1.3) mm, with an average of 0.78 mm. There were four types of relationship between superficial lateral sural artery and lateral sural nerve: Ⅰtype no concomitant (20.0%), Ⅱtype crossing (26.7%), Ⅲ type loosely concomitant (26.7%), and Ⅳ type tightly concomitant (26.7%) %). Ⅳtype was divided into separable subtype (13.3%) and inseparable subtype (13.3%).    Conclusions   The anatomy of superficial lateral sural artery perforator flap has its own characteristics. Familiar with the position, course, diameter of superficial lateral sural artery and its relationship with the lateral sural nerve is vital to improve operation efficiency and reduce complications.

Key words:  , Perforator flap,  ,  ,  , Superficial lateral sural artery,  ,  ,  , Lateral sural nerve,  ,  ,  , Applied anatomy

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