The distal superficial femoral arterial branch to the sartorius muscle as a recipient vessel for soft tissue defects around the knee: anatomic study and clinical applications.

Abstract

Complex wounds surrounding the knee and proximal tibia pose a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Most of these defects can be managed using local or regional flaps alone. However, large defects with a wide zone of injury frequently require microvascular tissue transfers to aid in soft tissue coverage and closure of large cavities. We describe a unique recipient vessel for microvascular anastomosis for free flap reconstruction involving the knee and proximal tibia through anatomic and clinical studies.