The gracilis (medial circumflex femoral) perforator flap: a medial groin free flap?

Abstract

The superior medial thigh skin territory has previously been successfully transferred as a free flap as part of a gracilis musculocutaneous flap. However, muscle bulk can be avoided and its function preserved by instead retaining only the musculocutaneous perforators arising from the gracilis pedicle like in a true perforator flap. A clinical example of this new perforator flap is described as the gracilis (medial circumflex femoral) perforator flap. This could become an ideal skin flap because no muscle is included, a well-defined segment of skin can be reliably harvested, closure of the donor site leaves a scar in the groin that can be readily concealed, and its dominant vascular pedicle is consistent in location and already familiar to most reconstructive surgeons.