Lateral genicular artery flap for reconstruction of defects around the knee: a series of 5 cases

The lateral genicular artery flap is a fasciocutaneous flap used for knee reconstruction with low donor site morbidity. It is raised from the lower lateral thigh and is based upon the cutaneous termination of superior lateral genicular artery. This flap showed constant anatomy and is reliable for coverage of defects at superior and lateral portions of the knee and the proximal part of the lower leg. The study period was from January 2016 to June 2017 where we operated on 5 patients, 3 for post-traumatic and 2 were post burn contracture excision. The flap was used as a pedicled fasciocutanous and was based on the superior lateral genicular artery. Five cases underwent lateral genicular artery flap of which 4 were males and 1 was a female. Mean defect size was 12 cm×10 cm. All the donor sites were closed with a split skin graft. One patient had distal necrosis which was managed conservatively. The lateral genicular artery flap is a thin, versatile, reliable and easy to harvest flap for reconstructing defects around the knee, with good cosmetic and functional outcome.

Supraclavicular artery flaps for head and neck reconstruction: a prospective study

Reconstruction of defects of the head and neck remains a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. This is due to the complex anatomy of the region as well as the age and comorbidities of the patients, which prevent the use of free tissue transfer as the primary tool of reconstruction. The supraclavicular artery (SCA) island flap is a well vascularised tissue and provides a thin and pliable skin for cutaneous and mucosal defects of the head and neck region. Here, we had done this flap for eight patients with no major complications and hence, we concur that it is a safe, reliable and versatile reconstructive option for these defects. The study period was from January 2015 to June 2016 where we operated on 8 patients, 5 for post burn contracture neck and 3 for post oncologic resection. The flap was used as a pedicled fascio-cutaneous and was based on the transverse supraclavicular artery. Eight cases underwent supraclavicular artery flap of which 5 were males and 3 females. Mean defect size was 15×10 cm. All the donor sites were closed with a split skin graft. One patient had distal necrosis which was managed with debridement and secondary suturing. The supraclavicular artery flap is a thin, versatile, reliable and easy to harvest flap for reconstructing head and neck defects, with good cosmetic and functional outcome.