Clinical applications of the postfemur island flap pedicled with the postfemur neurocutaneous nutrient vessel / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the application of the island flap based on the postfemur neurocutaneous nutrient vessel.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The flap was designed and applied to repair the defects in the gluteal, popliteal fossa or the bilateral postfemur areas. A total of 11 cases (12 defects) were treated with this method. The size of the defects ranged from 4.0 cm x 7.8 cm to 8.3 cm x 16.6 cm.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 12 defects, 9 achieved complete success. Epidermal necrosis occurred in the distal part of the flap in 3 defects owing to venous stasis, which were cured with skin grafting. Postoperative follow-up for 8-19 months showed that the appearance, texture, and function of the flap were satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The advantages of the flap lie in the reliable blood supply, constant anatomy, and without sacrificing a major artery. The key points for the flap survival are utilizing the "Superficial vein-nutrient vessel of the cutaneous nerve system" and retaining a comet tail-shaped soft-tissue pedicle in the flap creation.</p>