blood supply of the muscles of the leg: Its surgical importance

ABSTRACT

Seventeen cadavers [two stillborns, five fresh cadavers and ten preserved cadavers] were used in the present study. The femoral arteries of both sides in each cadaver were cannulated and injected with red latex. All the muscles of the leg were dissected and examined except gastrocnemius, plantaris, soleus and popliteus. The present study showed that tibialis anterior muscle had an average reach of 13.3% of the lower third of the leg and an average surface area of 10.7 cm[2]. However, it is not suitable for transposition because of its importance in walking. The extensor digitorum longus and peroneus tertius muscles had an average reach of 33% of the lower third of the leg and a total surface area of 15.6 cm[2]. Their muscle flap could be easily elevated and provided a thin non bulky coverage. The extensor hallucis longus muscle had an average reach of 40% of the proximal part of the lower third of the leg. It had a surface area of an average of 18.4 cm[2] and its flap elevation was much easier than the extensor digitorum longus muscle flap. The transposed peroneus longus muscle did not reach the lower third of the leg. On the other hand the peroneus brevis muscle had an average reach of 27.4% of the lower third of the leg. It had a surface area of an average of 15.6 cm[2] and could be rotated easily to cover both tibial and fibular surfaces. The flexor digitorum longus muscle had an average reach of 24.4% of the lower third of the leg. It had an average surface area of 11.6 cm[2] and could be easily elevated. The flexor hallucis longus muscle had an average reach of 50.3% of the lower third of the leg and an average surface area of 21 cm[2]. However, its dissection and elevation was difficult and could be risky. The tibialis posterior muscle had an average reach of 0.2% of the lower third of the leg and an average surface area of 12.5 cm[2]. The dissection and freeing of the muscle was difficult. According to the anatomic findings of the present study, the following muscles could be recommended for use in the lower third of the leg when a local muscle flap is feasible and desired extensor digitorum longus, peroneus tertius, extensor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus and peroneus brevis