Clinical applications and cadaveric study of the free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the saphenous vein.

BACKGROUND: The descending genicular artery (DGA) and medial thigh region have been underused as donor sites for perforator flaps. This study evaluated the anatomical relationship between the perforators of the DGA and the saphenous vein (SV) to review the clinical applications of the free descending genicular artery perforator (DGAP) flap for locoregional reconstruction. METHODS: Fifteen cadavers were arterially perfused with red latex and dissected. Thirty-one patients with extremity tissue defects were treated with a free DGAP flap, including six patients who received a chimeric flap. The minimum distance between the DGAP and the SV was measured during surgery. RESULTS: In all patients, the skin branch of the descending genicular artery was found in the medial femoral condyle plane in front of the SV. The average distance between the descending genicular artery perforator and the SV was 3.71 ± 0.38 cm (range: 2.9-4.3 cm). Thirty flaps survived completely, and one flap developed partial necrosis; however, this flap healed two weeks after skin grafting. The average follow-up time was 11.23 months. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the SV can be preserved when harvesting the descending genicular artery perforator flap, causing less damage to the donor site and having no effect on flap survival. The free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the SV is a better therapy for complicated tissue defects.

Fracture risk assessment of vascularized medial femoral condylar bone graft: A finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized medial femoral condyle (MFC) bone graft is useful for pseudarthrosis and osteonecrosis, but has the risk of fracture as a complication. This study aimed to create multiple three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) femur models to biomechanically evaluate the fracture risk in the donor site of a vascularized MFC bone graft. METHODS: Computer tomography scans of the femurs of nine patients (four males and five females) with no left femur disease were enrolled in the study. A 3D FE model of the left femur was generated based on the CT images taken from the patients. The descending genicular artery (DGA), the main nutrient vessel in vascularized MFC bone grafts, divides into the proximal transversal branch (TB) and the distal longitudinal branch (LB) before entering the periosteum. Thirty-six different bone defect models with different sizes and locations of the harvested bone were created. RESULTS: The highest stress was observed in the proximal medial and metaphyseal portions under axial and external rotation, respectively. In the bone defect model, the stress was most elevated in the extracted region's anterior or posterior superior part. Stress increased depending on proximal location and harvested bone size. CONCLUSION: Increasing the size of the bone graft proximally raises the stress at the site of bone extraction. For bone grafting to non-load-bearing areas, bone grafting distally using LB can reduce fracture risk. If TB necessitates a larger proximal bone extraction, it is advisable to avoid postoperative rotational loads.

Reconstructing complex peripatellar defects using the descending genicular artery perforator flap.

BACKGROUND: Complex peripatellar defects are commonly reconstructed with free flaps or pedicled muscle flaps, whereas pedicled fasciocutaneous perforator flaps are commonly overlooked. The descending genicular artery perforator (DGAP) flap is a versatile flap that offers thin and pliable tissue that provides ideal 'like with like' peripatellar soft tissue defect reconstruction. This paper aims to demonstrate the safe use of a pedicled fasciocutaneous DGAP flap for extensive traumatic peripatellar defect reconstructions and to exhibit the surgical pearls via a case series. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive complex peripatellar reconstructions with DGAP flaps was conducted from January 2011 to December 2018. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, aetiology/size/and location of the defects were reviewed. Flap, donor site, and overall surgical outcomes were clinically assessed and documented. Descriptive statistics were conducted and analysed by IBM SPSS Statistics 23. RESULTS: Five consecutive cases with complex peripatellar defects (5 × 8 to 8 × 10 cm) were recruited. Two were males, and three were females, with a mean age of 38.4 years. Four were trauma, and one was an oncological case. Descending genicular artery (DGA) perforators and DGA terminal branches were consistent. One patient needed a split-thickness skin graft to reconstruct the secondary defects. All the flaps survived with an average follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSION: The DGAP flap provides a reliable alternative to free flap for the large, complex peripatellar defect. With the inclusion of the proximal long saphenous vein and judicious selection of DGA perforators and its terminal branches, the DGAP flap can be harvested and used safely in the high-velocity impacted knee.

Biomechanical and anatomical considerations for dual plating of distal femur fractures: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Distal femur fractures are challenging injuries historically associated with high rates of nonunion and varus collapse with operative management. As a result, clinical and research interest in dual plating (DP) of distal femur fractures has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding vascular anatomy and biomechanics of distal femur fractures treated with DP constructs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review of two medical databases (PubMed & Scopus) was performed to identify peer-reviewed studies on the anatomy and biomechanics regarding DP of distal femur fractures. A total of 1,001 papers were evaluated and 14 papers met inclusion criteria (6 anatomy and 8 biomechanics). Methodological quality scores were used to assess quality and potential bias in the included studies. RESULTS: In the biomechanical studies, DP constructs demonstrated greater axial and rotational stiffness, as well as less displacement and fewer incidences of failure compared to all other constructs. Vascular studies showed that the femoral artery crosses the mid-shaft femur approximately 16.0-18.8 cm proximal to the adductor tubercle and it is located on average 16.6-31.1 mm from the femoral shaft at this location, suggesting that medial plate application can be achieved safely in the distal femur. The methodological quality of the included studies was good for biomechanical studies (Traa score 79.1; range 53-92.5) and excellent for anatomical studies (QUACs score 81.9; range 69.0-88.5). CONCLUSIONS: Existing biomechanics literature suggests that DP constructs are mechanically stronger than other constructs commonly used in the treatment of distal femur fractures. Furthermore, medial distal femoral anatomy allows for safe application of DP constructs, even in a minimally invasive fashion. Dual plating should be considered for patients with distal femur fractures that have risk factors for instability, varus collapse, or nonunion.

Characteristics of the descending genicular artery blood flow velocity in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: In patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the descending genicular artery (DGA) showed abnormal angiogenesis. However, the non-invasive assessment method of DGA remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of blood flow velocity of the DGA in patients with KOA and to examine the factors involved in the changes. METHODS: The KOA group included 22 knees of 22 patients with KOA (4 males, 18 females; mean age, 72.3 ± 7.5 years) and the control group included 22 knees (4 males, 18 females; mean age, 71.3 ± 5.4 years) of 22 healthy adults. The peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV) in each group was measured using ultrasonography. The KOA group was classified into the effusion group and the non-effusion group based on observed effusion, and the PSV was compared between the two groups. The relationships between PSV and suprapatellar bursa intracavitary distance, pain, femorotibial angle, Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure were also investigated. RESULTS: The PSV in the KOA group (51.5 ± 12.9 cm/s) was significantly higher than that in the control group (29.3 ± 4.4 cm/s) (P < 0.01). In the KOA group, PSV in the effusion group (55.5 cm/s (51.2-59.4 cm/s)) was significantly higher than that in the non-effusion group (39.1 cm/s (35.1-44.4 cm/s)) (P < 0.01). The PSV was positively and significantly correlated with both suprapatellar bursa intracavitary distance (r = 0.81: P < 0.01) and pain (r = 0.48: P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PSV measurement in the DGA is useful for the evaluation of non-invasive synovitis of patients with KOA.

Anatomical Study of the Descending Genicular Artery Chimeric Flaps.

Purpose: With increasing use of the chimeric flap of the descending genicular artery, the authors systematically investigated the anatomy of its branches in cadavers. Methods: Fifteen fresh cadaveric thighs were studied by anatomical dissection. The branches of the descending genicular arteries were skeletonized along their courses to the femoral arteries. Branches' lengths and diameters were measured to simulate the combined application of the skin, muscle, bone, osteochondral and osteocutaneous flaps with tendon enthesis. Results: The descending genicular artery was noted in 11 thighs, with an average diameter of 1.94 ± 0.36 mm and an average length of 10.69 ± 4.41 mm. In addition, the saphenous artery was noted in all 15 thighs, and the average diameter of the original part was 1.35 ± 0.18 mm. Branches arose from the saphenous artery to supply the skin above the knee, the anterior of tibia, the sartorius muscle and the pes anserinus. The average diameter of the osteoarticular artery was 1.80 ± 0.46 mm which divaricated into a periosteal branch to supply the bone above the medial femoral epicondyle and a few articular branches to supply the bone and the cartilage of the medial femoral condyle. Conclusions: This study systematically investigated the anatomy of the descending genicular artery and its branches. Based on the anatomical features of descending genicular artery, chimeric flap offers combination therapy with other tissue flaps. Besides, considering its long chimeric arm, chimeric flap could be used to repair not only local complex injuries but also defects in different locations. Clinical Relevance: The descending genicular artery chimeric flap is a clinical option for reconstructing compound tissue defects of limbs.

Vascular coverage of the anterior knee region - an anatomical study.

Descriptions of vessel angiosomes or perforasomes throughout the human body are quite frequent, and led to the development of flaps nowadays commonly used to surgically cover skin and soft tissue defects. In these procedures, the surgeon requires a profound anatomical knowledge of the respective blood vessels and the extent of the perfused area to define the size of the graft. In the region of the knee joint, descriptions of flaps based on the superior lateral genicular artery and descending genicular artery are quite frequent. In contrast, information regarding other popliteal branches is scarce or non-existent. The aim of this study was to provide a concise and complete overview on the extent and variability of the perforator angiosomes of the femoral and popliteal arteries in the anterior knee region. Twenty lower extremities were dissected, the respective perforators identified and perfused with dye. All resulting angiosomes were marked and documented. A total of 84 angiosomes were identified in all specimens, with an average of 4.2 (3-6) angiosomes per specimen. The average size of the angiosomes was 97.04 ± 72.30 cm2 (8.61-360.41 cm2 ), their source vessels had an average diameter of 1.42 ± 0.54 mm (0.60-3.25 mm). The complex and highly variable distribution of perforator angiosomes of the anterior knee region and especially of its less frequently investigated distal part was demonstrated. Based on these results, the planning of existing perforator flaps in this region and the development of flaps including the inferior medial or inferior lateral genicular arteries may be facilitated.

Free composite medial femoral trochlea osteochondral cutaneous flap for wrist scaphoid and lunate cartilage lesions: Advantages of a skin paddle.

The medial femoral trochlea flap is a chondrocorticoperiosteal flap. It has recently been described in the context of cartilage lesions. It is mainly used for reconstruction in non-union of the scaphoid's proximal pole and Kienböck disease. The medial femoral trochlea flap may be harvested with a skin island flap to monitor its vascularization. The surgical technique has been extensively described for its primary osteochondral form. However, the corticoperiosteal form has not been thoroughly studied and described. Here, we describe and report the early results of three cases of the composite medial femoral trochlea flap, with a skin paddle for postoperative monitoring, being used to reconstruct the injured proximal scaphoid and lunate.

Descending genicular artery injury following transient lateral patellar dislocation.

Transient lateral patellar dislocation (TLPD) is a common lesion in young adults. Vascular injury as a complication of TLPD has not been previously described. We report a case of descending genicular artery (DGA) injury after TLPD. Immediate angiography demonstrated rupture of DGA. Embolization was performed with sudden interruption of bleeding. DGA injury should be considered as a complication after TLPD and prompt diagnosis and intervention are required. We propose selective embolization as a safe and effective procedure to stop bleeding.

Descending genicular artery. Branching patterns and measuring parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of several anatomical studies.

BACKGROUND: The medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap is based on the descending genicular artery (DGA), which is a vessel with different variations in its course and branching patterns. Many studies have dealt with the vascular anatomy of the MFC. However, the results of the investigations differ markedly. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE for articles published until May 2017 on the vascular anatomy of the DGA. After the screening, 23 relevant studies with a similar topic were included into this comprehensive analysis. RESULTS: The systematic review examined the lengths and diameters of the individual arteries with regard to the vascularized bone flap of the MFC. The DGA is present in 94% of cases with an average length of 1.8 cm. In 63% of the investigated cases, the DGA divides into three terminal branches. The articular branch has an average length of 7.7 cm, the saphenous branch has a length of 10.7 cm, and the muscular branch has a length of 3.2 cm. CONCLUSION: To ensure a secured survival of this free flap, a detailed understanding of the convoluted vascular anatomy above the MFC is necessary. We recommend the Dubois classification for a systematic classification of the anatomical patterns of the DGA.We present a summary of all anatomical studies dealing with the vascular supply to the MFC and the DGA to date.

Anatomical Features of the Descending Genicular Artery to Facilitate Surgical Exposure for the Subvastus Approach-A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this cadaveric study was to clarify the proximal limit for the subvastus approach (SVA) in total knee arthroplasty to decrease potential vascular injury. METHODS: Seventy embalmed knees underwent a modified SVA using a 14-cm oblique medial incision. Anatomical features of the descending genicular artery (DGA) were investigated with regard to variation, distance of the vessels from surgical landmarks, and sex differences. RESULTS: The DGA was identified in 62 knees (89%), while it was absent in 8 knees (11%); in the latter, the articular, saphenous, and muscular branches arose separately from the femoral artery. The mean distances from the tibial tuberosity and medial joint line to the origin of the DGA were 15.5 ± 1.6 cm and 12.6 ± 1.6 cm, respectively. Both distances were significantly longer in males than in females (P < .01, respectively). A strong positive correlation was found between the distance from the tibial tuberosity to the origin of the DGA and the distance from the medial joint line to the origin of the DGA (Spearman's correlation coefficient, R2 = 0.72, P < .01). A weak positive correlation was found between the distance from the tibial tuberosity to the origin of the DGA and lower leg length (R2 = 0.13, P < .01). No vascular injuries were observed in this surgical exposure. CONCLUSION: The DGA showed several variations and was absent 11% of the time. An oblique medial incision within 14 cm from the tibial tuberosity followed by arthrotomy is considered a safe zone for the SVA.

Clinical application of anterolateral thigh flap in wound around the knee with descending genicular artery as the recipient vessel / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical application of antcrolateral thigh flap transplantation in repairing wound around the knee with descending genicular artery as the recipient vessel,when anterior or posterior tibial vessel could not be utilized.Methods From January,2015 to May,2017,free anterolateral thigh flaps obtained from anastomosis of descending genicular artery and great saphenous vein were transplanted to repair the skin soft tissue defect around the knee combined with tendon and bone exposure in 7 patients,after preoperative color Doppler sonography ultrasound (CDU) for precise positioning.There were 4 males and 3 females,with the flap area ranging from 18.0 cm×8.0 cm-38.0 cm×8.0 cm.All of the donor sites were sutured directly.Postoperative followedup was done termly.Results All the patients were followed-up for 6 to 14 months,with an average of 8.9 months.Typically,2 cases had large defect areas,with distal flap necrosis of 6.0 cm and 4.0 cm,respectively,which were resected and achieved secondary skin graft healing on the residual surface.Additionally,4 cases had completely survived flaps and achieved secondary skin graft healing on the residual surface.The remaining 1 case had completely survived flap,but the distal flap near the anteromedial tibia developed bone exposure as a result of the complicated osteomyelitis.As a result,the patient received gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap to repair the wound.Conclusion Anterolateral thigh flap transplantation in repairing skin soft tissue defect wound around the knee,with descending genicular artery as the recipient vessel,can achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy,which can serve as one choice for flap repair in wound around the knee.

Free bone flap of medial femoral condyle for treatment of old scaphoid fracture with bone necrosis / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of the free bone flap of medial femoral condyle for treatment of old scaphoid fracture with bone necrosis and review the utility of this procedure.Methods Eleven cases of old scaphoid fracture with bone necrosis were treated with the free medical femoral condyle bone grafting between Feburay,2013 and May,2015(9 males and 2 females).The average age was 34 years ranged from 27 to 55 years.Six cases were in left wrist,and other 5 cases were in right.Six cases were in waist area,and the other 5 cases were proximal pole nonunion.All cases were evaluated with 3D-CT scan,while humpback deformity were occurred in 6 cases,and avascular necrosis at the proximal pole were occurred in 3 cases.After refreshing the fracture,the free medical femoral condyle bone was transferred to the scaphoid,reduct the scaphoid and fix with the Kirschner wire.An endto-side anastomosis was performed with the bone flap artery and the radial artery,accompanied by the end to end anastomosis of the flap vein and the vein with the radial artery.The plaster was used for 8 weeks.Bone healing was evaluated with X-ray and 3D CT scan.A functional review was performed after the operation and a Mayo wrist scoring test was taken 6 months after the treatment.Results The average followed-up period was 13.1 months(ranged from 9 to 24 months).Bone union were demonstrated in all cases at 13.4 weeks after the operation (ranged from 11 to 18 weeks).Mayo wrist scoring testing showed excellent in 5 cases,good in 4 cases,and fair in 2 cases.Conclusion Free bone flap of medial femoral condyle is constant in vascular anatomy,and is easy to perform with plenty bone graft and less morbidity at donor site.Medial femoral condyle bone flap transplantation based on the descending gennicular vessels is an effective method for treatment of old scaphoid fracture with bone necrosis.

Medial Femoral Condyle Microvascular Bone Transfer as a Treatment for Capitate Avascular Necrosis: Surgical Technique and Case Report.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the capitate is a rare clinical entity for which a variety of treatment options have been described, ranging from immobilization to microvascular bone transfer. Outcomes following medial femoral condyle corticocancellous free flap reconstruction have not been reported for this specific pathology. We present the case of a 16-year-old girl with posttraumatic capitate AVN who was treated with curettage and medial femoral condyle corticocancellous vascularized bone grafting. At 18 months after surgery, the patient remains pain-free and had resumed all activities including lifeguarding by 6 months after surgery. This microsurgical technique, described previously for AVN of the scaphoid and lunate, may be applied in a similar fashion for the capitate with promising clinical results. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Pseudoaneurysm of the articular branch of the descending genicular artery following double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

This report describes a case of a pseudoaneurysm of the articular branch of the descending genicular artery following double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. An 18-year-old male received double-bundle ACL reconstruction. During ACL reconstruction, a far anteromedial portal was created for femoral tunnel drilling. The patient presented with pulsatile swelling on the medial side of the knee on the second post-operative day. The pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed using contrast computed tomography and Doppler ultrasonography and was subsequently treated by embolization with a microcatheter. Although a vascular injury is a very rare complication of knee arthroscopy, it should be considered a possibility in patients who undergo such procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Descending genicular artery free flaps: Multi-purpose tissue transfers in limb reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The descending genicular artery supplies skin, muscle, tendon, and bone structures in the medial knee area. Three types of skin perforator including musculocutaneous perforators through the vastus medialis (descending genicular artery perforator (DGAP)-vm), direct cutaneous perforators (DGAP), and saphenous artery perforators (SAP) can be elevated for the skin flap component. METHODS: This study included a prospective cohort of all patients in whom a descending genicular artery free flap was attempted in our center since January 2009. Data on patients' characteristics, type of injuries, the surgical procedures, and their outcomes were obtained for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. FINDINGS: This cohort includes 22 descending genicular artery flaps for skin, bone, and tendon reconstruction after extensive soft tissue injury and/or bone nonunion. Of these, six were medial femoral condyle bone grafts, seven were skin flaps from the medial knee, and nine composite osteocutaneous or tendo-osteocutaneous flaps. Favorable outcome was achieved in 20 of 22 cases. We use the DGAP and DGAP-vm in 15 of 16 cutaneous and osteocutaneous flaps. CONCLUSION: The descending genicular artery flap offers a wide range of simple and composite flaps. Recognition of all types of skin perforators should enhance the options, the chance of success, and the popularity of the flap.

Free-flap cover of complex defects around the knee using the descending genicular artery as the recipient pedicle.

BACKGROUND: Selection of ideal recipient vessels is one of the most important factors determining success in free-flap reconstruction of the lower limb. At the knee, the choice of vessels has traditionally been either the common femoral or the popliteal vessels and their branches but these are often difficult to use or cannot be used. METHODS: A series of 32 free flaps for cover of complex injuries of the knee involving the distal femur, the knee joint and the upper tibia were reconstructed using the descending genicular branch of the femoral artery in the adductor canal and its muscular branches to the vastus medialis as the recipient vessels. RESULT: All but one flap survived with no major complications. CONCLUSION: The use of the descending genicular artery as the recipient vessel for reconstruction with free flaps around the knee has various advantages including: (i) it is mostly remote from the zone of trauma, (ii) it is constant in location, (iii) the recipient vessels are an excellent size match for end-to-end anastomosis, (iv) there is no need for changes of position of the patient when using most free flaps commonly used for knee reconstruction, (v) it is easy to harvest these simultaneously, (vi) secondary exposure of the underlying skeleton from all quadrants is unlikely to divide the flap pedicle as it is superior and (vii), perhaps most important of all, it obviates the need for exploration of the popliteal fossa.

Applied anatomy of free flap transplant with long superior genicular vessles in reconstruction of lower leg's smashed wound / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective Anatomical researches of two long superiror genicular vessels,the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and the descending genicular artery(DGA),were performed to discuss the feasibility of reconstruction in lower leg's destruction injury by free flaps transplant anastomoses with these two long superior genicular vessels.Methods Thirty embalmed lower limb specimens from adult cadavers perfused with red latex were used for this anatomical study.The superior of patella,anterior inferior iliac spine and adductor tubercle were used as observation landmark.Dissection started along the line that from the middle point of Inguinal Ligament to the middle point of superior line of patella,and dividedly turned over to posterior lateral part and posterior medial part.The followings were focused observed:①The external diameter at the beginning of the D-LCFA ; the 0.5 mm external diameter point of this artery,and its length to the beginning and superior of patella.②The external diameter at the beginning of DGA,the distance between the beginning of DGA and adductor tubercle.③Anastomoses relations of final branches of D-LCFA and DGA with other arteries around the knee.Results The external diameter of the beginning of D-LCFA was (2.73 ± 0.35) mm ; the 0.5 mm external diameter point of this artery's length to the beginning and to the superior of patella were (24.56 ± 0.92) cm and (6.09 ± 0.86) cm; both D-LCFA and DGA had sent out many perforator arteries on their ways; the final branch of D-LCFA and DGA had lots of anastomoses relations in perioseal deep fascia and superficial fascia with other genicular arteries.Conclusion Base on the anatomical researches,in theory,the two long superior genicular vessels (D-LCFA and DGA) have enough lengthes and blood supply to regress and anastomosis with free flaps transplant to repair lower leg's smashed wound.

Free descending genicular artery perforator flap harvested with the free-style approach: a case report.

The descending genicular artery perforator flap, also known as the saphenous flap, has rarely been used as a free flap. We report the successful use of a free descending genicular artery perforator flap to reconstruct a defect of the medial calf region in a 13-year-old boy with Ewing sarcoma. A dominant perforator from the descending genicular artery was detected preoperatively with computed tomographic angiography and colour Doppler ultrasonography. This flap provides a perfect texture match to the medial calf region, and its donor-site scars are better hidden than those on the lateral thigh. We believe that this flap is a versatile 'free-style free flap' for patients in whom a sizable perforator can be found with preoperative imaging.

Anatomy of the free saphenous branch of descending genicular artery flap and its clinical application for the hand soft-tissue defects / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To provide anatomical basis for the free saphenous branch of descending genicular artery flap and evaluate its clinical outcomes for the hand soft-tissue defects. Methods Fifteen fresh cadavers injected with lead oxide-gelatin mixture for three-dimensional visualization reconstruction using a spiral computed tomography scanner. The origin, course and distribution of the perforators of descending genicular artery were observed.From January 2005 to October 2011,seven patients with skin defect on the distant limbs were treated.The flap size was 5 cm × 6 cm-11 cm × 14 cm,vascular pedicle length 5.4 (4-7)cm. ResultsThe saphenous branch was consistent. It arised from the descending genicular artery (68％) or femoral artery(32％).The diameter of the saphenous branch was 1.5(1.1-1.7)mm at its origin above 9.0(4.0-16.0)cm from the medial epicondylar.Seven cases of flaps all survived,the average followup of 28 months,close to hand flap of skin texture,some sensory recovery,two-point discrimination 8-12mm. Conclusion Free saphenous branch of descending genicular artery flap is a reliable option for the treatment of soft tissue defect in hands. The pedicles were invariable of anatomy, thickness of the flaps is comparable,and procedure is simple and time saving.