The corticoperiosteal medial femoral supracondylar flap: anatomical study for clinical evaluation in mandibular osteoradionecrosis

Genicular Artery Embolization: A Review of Essential Anatomic Considerations

Genicular artery embolization is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective treatment option for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and recurrent hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty. Genicular arteries are an essential contributor to vascular supply for the knee joint and demonstrate considerable variability. Familiarity with the anatomy and common variations is critical for preprocedural planning, accurate target selection, and minimizing adverse events in transarterial embolization procedures. This review aimed to provide a detailed discussion of the genicular artery anatomy that is relevant to interventional radiologists performing genicular artery embolization.

Reconstruction of the ulnar artery in Guyon's canal with an arterial graft: Anatomical study

Ulnar artery thrombosis in Guyon's canal can lead to vascular insufficiency in the fingers. The recommended treatment is resection and reconstruction of the pathological area. A bypass may be necessary, which may be venous or arterial. Arterial bypasses have better long-term patency; however, they are a source of donor-site complications. We carried out an anatomical study on 11 upper limbs and 7 lower limbs from cadavers to identify a technically accessible arterial graft, of a diameter suitable for bypassing the ulnar artery in Guyon's canal and with acceptable scar sequelae (few predicted postoperative complications, discreet size and/or location of scar). Three grafts were considered: anterior interosseous artery, radial recurrent artery and descending genicular artery. The various grafts were dissected and harvested from cadaver specimens, then their lengths and diameters were measured. The diameter of the candidate grafts was compared to the diameter of the distal ulnar artery. The diameter of the descending genicular artery matched the ulnar artery better than the radial recurrent artery or the anterior interosseous artery (103% vs 44% and 67%, respectively). Mean graft length was 6.6 cm. The anatomical configuration of the descending genicular artery allowed Y-shaped bypasses to be performed. Harvesting this artery appears to cause little damage and allows bypasses up to 6 cm to be performed. Despite its smaller diameter making it necessary to perform a microvascular size adjustment, the anterior interosseous artery is a candidate graft because it is long enough (119 mm) and located near the surgical site. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Free vascularized bone graft from the lateral epicondylar region of the humerus for treatment of scaphoid nonunion

BACKGROUND

Free vascularized bone grafting (FVBG) has become one of the essential methods for treating scaphoid nonunion complicated by avascular necrosis. However, commonly used bone graft, including the medial femoral condyle bone graft and iliac crest bone graft, still present challenges such as a high rate of donor site complications and variations of vascular pedicle. In this study, we have introduced a novel bone graft-the lateral humeral condyle bone graft with the posterior branch of the radial collateral artery (PBRCA) as the vascular pedicle-as an alternative option, with the aim of overcoming some of the limitations of previously described FVBG procedures.

METHODS

Nine patients who had a nonunion of the scaphoid that had been present for an average of 16.8 months (range 9-35 months) were managed with use of a free vascularized bone graft obtained from the lateral humeral epicondylar region. Avascularity of the scaphoid, as assessed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative bone marrow puncture test. Postoperatively, regular X-ray and CT scans examinations were conducted to assess the progress of fracture healing. Active motion of the wrist, and grip strength recovery were measured periodically. Wrist pain was graded using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while wrist joint functionality was evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scale. The elbow functional outcome was evaluated by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

RESULTS

All of nine lateral humeral epicondylar bone grafts were successfully harvested. The blood supply of the graft during surgery was excellent in six cases and good in three cases. The size of the bone grafts ranges from 1.0 cm × 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm to 2.0 cm × 1.0 cm × 0.5 cm. The average vascular pedicle length was 3.4 cm (range 2.0-6.0 cm). There were no early complications in either the donor or recipient areas after surgery. Union was successfully achieved in all nine patients, with an average time to union of 14.3 weeks (range 11-20 weeks) after surgery. The average follow-up period was 31.2 months (range 26-40 months). At the final follow-up, the average palmar flexion, dorsal extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation angles of the injured wrist joint were 56.1° (range 45°-70°), 56.1° (range 40°-80°), 10.6° (range 5°-20°), and 22.2° (range 15°-35°), respectively, which reached 79.0%, 82.1%, 59.4%, and 72.8% of the average activity of the contralateral normal side. The average grip strength of the injured side was 35.2 kg (range 22-51 kg), which was equivalent to 81.3% of the average grip strength of the contralateral side. The average VAS score for wrist joint pain was 1.0 point (range 0-2 points); the Quick-DASH score was 9.2 points (range 6-18 points); and the PRWE score was 13.1 points (range 9-16 points), the Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 100 points (range 100-100 points). One patient reported a feeling of friction during movement but no pain. One patient reported numbness in the donor site. One patient complained of pain when applying force to the scar in the donor area. During the follow-up period, these complications showed improvement without any treatment.

CONCLUSION

The FVBG technique has been considered an effective method for treating scaphoid nonunion with avascular necrosis. Compared to traditional FVBG, the lateral humeral epicondylar bone graft exhibits a higher union rate, fewer complications, and easier accessibility, making it a favorable choice.

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.

Expanding Indications of the Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: Systematic Review in Head and Neck Reconstruction

The medial femoral condyle free flap serves as an attractive reconstructive option for small- to intermediate-sized bony defects. It is commonly applied in the extremities with limited reports in the head and neck.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria, yielding 166 cases for analysis, with a majority of the cohort from a single study (n = 107; 64.4%). However, all included studies represented novel reconstructive sites and surgical indications. Flap components were described in 157 cases; periosteum was used only in four cases (2.5%), whereas all others are composed of cortical bone combined with periosteum, cancellous bone, and/or cartilage (97.5%). Additionally, a skin island was used in 43 cases (25.9%). Flap measurements were reported in 51 cases, averaging 4.5 ± 2.7 cm in length. Seven cases listed skin island dimensions, averaging 20.2 ± 12.8 cm². The descending genicular artery was the primary pedicle employed (n = 162; 97.6%), while the superior medial genicular was used in the descending genicular artery's absence (n = 4; 2.4%). Descending genicular artery pedicle length from 15 reporting cases averaged 6.4 ± 1.2 cm. Successful reconstructions totaled 160 cases (96.4%). Recipient complications were seen in 16 cases (9.6%) with six constituting flap failures (3.6%). Donor site complications were minimal (n = 6; 3.6%); however, this included one major complication of femoral shaft fracture.

Conclusion

The medial femoral condyle free flap is an effective reconstructive option for the head and neck due to its versatile nature, low complication profile at both recipient and donor site, ease of harvest, and two-team approach.

Merits of the free periosteal femoral condyle flap in the management of advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis

The management of advanced mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is poorly codified and requires repeated time-consuming, morbid surgical procedures. The free periosteal medial femoral condyle flap could be used for the management of extensive mandibular ORN with fracture, to avoid non-conservative surgery such as mandibulectomy. The purpose of this study was to report the authors' experience using periosteal flaps for advanced ORN and to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of these flaps in this context. A series of 10 patients who underwent bone revascularization with a free periosteal femoral flap for the management of advanced ORN (Notani class III) is reported. The onset of bone consolidation, length of hospital stay, duration of surgery, donor site morbidity, and the option of dental rehabilitation in the event of a successful outcome were assessed. Osteogenesis was observed in 70% of cases. Thirty percent of patients benefited from dental implant rehabilitation. The mean follow-up was 73.1 months. No patient experienced any sequelae at the flap harvest site. In the authors' opinion, the free periosteal medial femoral condyle flap appears to offer a therapeutic solution for patients with advanced stages of ORN.

Acute Thumb Reconstruction With Medial Femoral Condyle and Radial Forearm Free Flaps: A Case Report

Traumatic thumb injuries often result in significant functional disability. With segmental bone loss, reconstructive options include antibiotic cement with delayed bone graft, revision amputation with webspace deepening, metacarpal distraction osteogenesis, index pollicization, bone flap, and free toe transfer. We present a case of a subtotal thumb amputation just distal to the metacarpal phalangeal joint resulting in loss of both soft tissue and a segmental bone defect of the proximal and distal phalanx. Reconstruction was initially performed with a chimeric bone free flap from the medial femoral condyle with a vastus medialis muscle cuff to provide soft tissue coverage. A revision soft tissue coverage procedure was required and a radial forearm free flap was utilized. His reconstruction restored his missing bone and soft tissue, and provided stability with sufficient grip strength and metacarpophalangeal function resulting in a satisfactory functional outcome.

Emerging Targets for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: New Investigational Methods to Identify Neo-Vessels as Possible Targets for Embolization

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the major cause of disability, affecting over 30 million US adults. Continued research into the role of neovascularization and inflammation related to osteoarthritis in large-animal models and human clinical trials is paramount. Recent literature on the pathogenetic model of OA has refocused on low-level inflammation, resulting in joint remodeling. As a result, this has redirected osteoarthritis research toward limiting or treating joint changes associated with persistent synovitis. The overall goal of this review is to better understand the cellular and tissue-specific mechanisms of inflammation in relation to a novel OA treatment modality, Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This article also assesses the utility and mechanism of periarticular neovascular embolization for the treatment of OA with a particular emphasis on the balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic cytokines, inflammatory biomarkers, and imaging changes.

Anatomical implications of the subvastus approach on major vascular injury during a distal femoral osteotomy: a computed tomographic venography study

PURPOSE

This study evaluated major vascular injury risk in distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) via the subvastus approach and examined the relationship between the posterior border of the vastus medialis (VM) and the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and vein (SFV).

METHODS

Eighty limbs from 80 patients were evaluated using lower extremity computed tomographic venography. The positional relationship between the VM, SFA, and SFV was evaluated by measuring the angle between each structure and the horizontal reference point (VMA: VM angle, FAA (femoral arterial angle), FVA (femoral venous angle) and the distance between VM and the SFA and SFV (VMAD: VM-arterial distance, VMVD: VM-venous distance) in each axial slice (0/10/20/30/40 mm) proximal to the level of the superior patellar margin. The proximity of the posterior border of the VM and the SFA/SFV as a vertical distance, measured between the slice of the superior border of the patella and the slice where the posterior border of the VM contacted the SFA was evaluated. Single and multiple regression analyses were performed using the vertical distance as the objective variable.

RESULTS

As the slice shifted proximally, the VMA significantly increased (24.9 ± 8.5, 36.3 ± 8.8, 47.4 ± 11.8, 59.9 ± 14, 70.3 ± 13.7 degrees, respectively, p < 0.001 between all slices) and moved posteromedially from a medial direction. FAA (94.2 ± 7, 86.9 ± 9.2, 78.4 ± 9.7, 71.4 ± 9.8, 66.6 ± 10.5 degree, respectively, p < 0.001 between all slices) and FVA (100.6 ± 4.9, 98.3 ± 5.9, 93.7 ± 7.5, 88 ± 9.2, 81.1 ± 10.5 degrees, respectively, p < 0.001 between all slices) decreased and moved from a posterolateral to a posteromedial direction, while VMAD (35.4 ± 7.8, 24.1 ± 7.3, 14.3 ± 6, 8.4 ± 7, 6.2 ± 6.3 mm, respectively, p < 0.001 between all slices) and VMVD significantly decreased (42.7 ± 7.3, 32 ± 7.4, 22.4 ± 6.8, 14.5 ± 10.6, 8.7 ± 7.1 mm, respectively, p < 0.001 between all slices). The average vertical distance was 36 ± 9.3 mm (range 18.6-61.5 mm). The body height and the patellar length significantly affected the vertical distance.

CONCLUSION

The posterior border of the VM shifted posteromedially from distal to proximal and contacted the SFA at an average of 36 mm from the suprapatellar border. Surgeons should be aware of the risk of major vascular injury during exposure and osteotomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case series, Level IV.

Cadaveric and Angiographic Anatomical Considerations in the Genicular Arterial System: Implications for Genicular Artery Embolisation in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE

Genicular artery embolisation (GAE) is a novel treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Cadaveric dissection was undertaken to provide a complete description of the relevant arterial anatomy in order to perform safe and effective GAE.

MATERIALS

Twenty human lower limb specimens were dissected. The morphology of the genicular arteries and presence of anastomotic connections was recorded and compared with angiographic images from patients having undergone GAE. Vessels were measured to investigate the risk of non-target embolisation (NTE), taking a diameter of 300 microns as the threshold for significance.

RESULTS

The descending genicular artery (DGA) is the dominant vessel in medial OA, with 95% of cases revealing vessel division into muscular, saphenous and osteoarticular branches from a single pedicle. The superior medial genicular artery (SMGA) had a shared origin with the middle genicular artery (MGA) in 25% of cases. NTE to the MGA may damage the cruciate ligaments. In 85% of cases, there was an anastomosis between the DGA and SMGA, often encountered at angiography. The mean diameter of the anastomoses was 850 micron, presenting a risk for NTE. An anastomosis between the Inferior Medial Genicular Artery (IMGA) and medial sural artery was found in 5% of cases; the medial sural artery supplies blood to the tibial nerve and should be avoided. The IMGA and inferior lateral genicular artery provided supply to the patellofemoral joint in 69% and 88% of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

An in-depth knowledge of genicular artery anatomy is required for interventional radiologists to perform safe and effective GAE in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Medial minimally invasive helical plate osteosynthesis of the distal femur - a new technique

INTRODUCTION

The goal of this study was to evaluate distal femoral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) from a distal medial approach by use of a pre-bent helical implant.

MATERIAL & METHODS

A total of 18 lower extremities was evaluated. A 29.6 cm steel plate was constructed and pre-bent on bone specimens with a torsion of 55.7° A 5 cm incision was performed from the tip of the medial epicondyle alongside its centre in a proximal direction. The medial border of the vastus medialis was retracted anteriorly. The level of the proximal skin incision was determined using the length of the pre-bent plates. The proximal incision was performed at a length of 4 cm at the described height at a line between the lateral epicondyle and the tip of the greater trochanter. A raspatory was advanced beneath the vastus medialis in a proximal direction to create an extraperiosteal tunnel for plate insertion. The plate was fixed to the bone at its proximal and distal portion via screws. Following dissection, the distance between the nearest perforator to the proximal plate end was evaluated. The vertical distances between the medial border of the plate and the femoral artery and femoral nerve were measured at the level of the proximal plate end and at the level of the proximal margin of the vastoadductor membrane.

RESULTS

The most proximal perforating artery was located at a mean distance of 20.15 mm starting from the proximal plate margin. The mean interval between the medial border of the plate at the level of its proximal tip and the femoral artery was 51.9 mm. The average distance between the femoral nerve and the medial border of the proximal part of the plate was 42.3 mm. Regarding the interval between the medial border of the plate and the femoral artery, this was at a mean of 40.5 mm at the level of the proximal margin of the vastoadductor membrane. During dissection, none of the specimens showed any lesions of the adjacent anatomical characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate MIPO of the distal femur from a medial approach as a safe technique.

Arterial branching pattern of the rabbit femoral artery

Rabbits have highly developed hindlimb muscles, whereas their bones are fragile, thus resulting in frequent hindlimb fractures. To repair these fractures, it is important to understand the arterial branching pattern of the femoral artery, as it provides the main blood supply to the hindlimb. Since the descriptions from prior studies are insufficient, the aim of the present study was to determine the detailed arterial branching pattern of the rabbit femoral artery. Therefore, to address this issue, we examined 30 male and 20 female New Zealand White rabbits after colored latex injections into the femoral artery. Results showed that the femoral artery gave rise to the pudendoepigastric trunk, along with the deep femoral, lateral circumflex femoral, superficial caudal epigastric, saphenous, descending genicular, and proximal and middle caudal femoral arteries, in conjunction with frequent individual variations. In all the observed halves, the last branch from the femoral artery was the distal caudal femoral artery. Individual variations in the branching pattern of these arteries occurred independently in the proximal and the distal portions of the femoral artery, and they were, respectively, categorized into four and three major types based on the number of the branching levels along the proximodistal axis of the femoral artery. The individual variations in the arterial branching pattern of the rabbit femoral artery that were demonstrated in the present study may provide an important anatomical basis for refining the orthopedic surgical procedure in the rabbit.

Temporomandibular joint reconstruction with medial femoral condyle osseocartilaginous flap: a case series

Reconstruction for large-scale temporomandibular joint (TMJ) defects can be challenging. We have used the medial femoral condyle (MFC) osseocartilaginous flap for repair of TMJ defects. The aim of this paper was to describe our technique and to present the preliminary results. The MFC osseocartilaginous flap was used as a free vascularized graft for TMJ defect in four patients who had undergone resection for benign tumor of the TMJ region (n = 2) or TMJ ankylosis (n=2). A computer-assisted technique was used in all cases. Symmetry of the mandible was objectively evaluated by postoperative computed tomography. Complications were recorded during follow-up visits. Lower extremity functional status was assessed by the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFC) questionnaire. The MFC osseocartilaginous flap success rate was 100%; bony union was obtained in all four patients, and normal occlusion was achieved within 6-11 months after surgery. No flap-related complications occurred. All patients were satisfied with their postoperative facial symmetry and oral function. The LEFC score ranged from 72 to 80, indicating normal lower extremity function. Vascularized MFC osseocartilaginous flap appears to be a reliable option for reconstruction of large-scale TMJ defects.

Anatomical study of the descending genicular artery and implications for image-guided interventions for knee pain

INTRODUCTION

The descending genicular artery (DGA) has recently been mentioned as accompanying some nerves in the medial aspect of the knee joint. This could be clinically relevant as the arteries could serve as landmarks for accurate nerve capture during ultrasound-guided nerve blockade or ablation. The aim of this cadaveric study was to investigate the anatomical distribution of the DGA, assess the nerves running alongside its branches, and discuss the implications for regional anesthesia and knee pain interventions.

METHODS

We dissected the femoral artery (FA) all along its course to identify the origin of the DGA, from which we carefully dissected all branches, in 27 fresh-frozen human specimens. Simultaneously, we systematically dissected the nerves supplying the medial aspect of the knee from proximally to distally and identified those running alongside the branches of the DGA. The surrounding anatomical landmarks were identified and measurements were recorded.

RESULTS

The DGA was found in all specimens, arising from the FA 130.5 ± 17.5 mm (mean ± SD) proximally to the knee joint line. Seven distribution patterns of the DGA were observed. We found three consistent branches from the DGA running alongside their corresponding nerves at the level of the medial aspect of the knee: the artery of the superior-medial genicular nerve, the artery of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve, and the saphenous branch of the DGA.

CONCLUSION

The consistent arteries and surrounding landmarks found in this study could help to improve the capture of the targeted nerves during ultrasound-guided interventions.

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.

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.

The Periosteal Medial Femoral Condyle Free Flap: A New Option for Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Distal Lower Extremity

BACKGROUND

Small (<30 cm) soft tissue defects of the distal leg, foot, and ankle pose a complicated issue with regard to wound healing. Multiple flaps have been proposed for reconstruction of these wounds with varying levels of success. The medial femoral condyle flap is a free bone flap supplied by the descending geniculate artery. It is currently used in the treatment of fracture nonunion, infected bone defects, avascular necrosis, and osteoradionecrosis. This study proposes the use of the periosteal portion of the medial femoral condyle (PMFC) flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the distal leg, foot, and ankle.

METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective series of 6 patients with distal leg, foot, and ankle wounds. All patients underwent reconstruction using the PMFC flap.

RESULTS

Of the 6 patients, 5 had chronic wounds. There were no incidences of flap loss. Five patients healed without complication, four of which had undergone immediate skin grafting, whereas one had concomitant skin paddle reconstruction. The remaining patient required a second surgery with a rotation flap for recurrent osteomyelitis and wound infection 2 months after the initial surgery. Mean operative time decreased after a 2-case learning curve.

CONCLUSIONS

Small wounds of the distal extremity can be difficult to treat, with many requiring free or rotational flap coverage. We propose novel use of the PMFC flap for reconstruction of small soft tissue defects of the distal leg, foot, and ankle. In our series, we demonstrated no donor site morbidity, with excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes.

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.

Medial Knee Approach: An Anatomical Study of Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Medial Femoral Condylar Fracture

OBJECTIVES

To determine the location of distal medial neurovascular structures, identifying a medial "safe zone" for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis to treat displaced femoral condylar fractures.

METHODS

Eleven uninjured lower-half torsos were dissected on the bilateral medial lower thigh. A longitudinal incision was made at the midsagittal plane of the medial thigh starting 1 cm proximal to the knee joint and extending to the proximal one-third of the femur. Superficial and deep neurovascular structures were dissected. Distances to the medial vastus and adductor compartment were measured.

RESULTS

Mean distances were 160 ± 31.4 mm from the adductor tubercle to Hunter canal; 94 ± 18.3 mm from adductor tubercle to adductor hiatus; 31.8 ± 9.21 mm from Hunter canal to the femoral shaft; and 31.7 ± 7.78 mm from adductor hiatus to femoral shaft. All specimens had a descending genicular artery (DGA) with a mean distance to the adductor tubercle of 98.4 ± 16.0 mm. The muscular branch of the DGA crossed the femoral shaft at approximately 50 mm from the adductor tubercle; the osteoarticular branch ran along the adductor magnus tendon. The nerve to the vastus medialis was at the posterior border of the vastus medialis, entering at a mean 143 ± 63.0 mm from the adductor tubercle.

CONCLUSIONS

Minor neurovascular branches of the DGA may be vulnerable during medial femoral condyle plating. Careful blunt dissection, proper instrumentation, and plate length within 160 mm allow distal medial femur fixation without additional proximal dissection.

Periosteal vascularization of the distal femur in relation to distal femoral osteotomies: a cadaveric study

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate periosteal vessels location as intra-operative landmarks in distal femoral osteotomies and focused on the branching pattern of the vascular supply of the medial and lateral femoral condyle, its constancy, and the relationship to the height of distal femoral osteotomies. Anastomoses of relevant vessels were studied to analyze the risk of vascular insufficiency after transection of landmark vessels.

Methods

A human cadaver dissection study on the vascular supply of the medial and lateral side of the distal femur was conducted. Surgical dissection was performed in eight knees in total. Distances between the vascular supply and bony landmarks were calculated. Relation of the vascular structures to the transverse bone cuts of distal femoral osteotomies was described, as well as anastomoses of relevant vessels.

Results

On the medial side of the distal femur the periosteum was primarily supplied by the descending genicular artery (DGA) in 87.5 % of the specimens. In the absence of the DGA, the superior medial genicular artery was the supplier. Vascularization took place through two constant branches, the upper transverse artery (UTA) and the central longitudinal artery. The UTA originated at a mean distance of 6.9 cm (range 5.9–7.9 cm) above the knee joint line. On the lateral side of the distal femur the superior lateral genicular artery was the main vessel. In all dissected knees it gave off the lateral transverse artery (LTA). The LTA originated at a mean distance of 6.9 cm (range 5.8–7.6 cm) above the knee joint line. Anastomoses between the UTA, LTA and the longitudinal arch of the femoral shaft were found that could prevent vascular insufficiencies after transection of the UTA and LTA.

Conclusions

The vascular supply of the medial and lateral aspects of the femoral condyle is highly constant. Both the UTA, on the medial side, and the LTA, on the lateral side, can serve as a landmark for orthopedic surgeons in determining the height of the osteotomy cuts in distal femoral osteotomies. Transection of these landmark vessels during the osteotomy will not result in vascular insufficiency because of a collateral supply.

The safety and feasibility of a less invasive distal femur closing wedge osteotomy technique: a cadaveric dissection study of the medial aspect of the distal femur

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility and safety of a less invasive surgical approach to the distal medial aspect of the femur in supracondylar medial closing wedge osteotomy for the treatment of lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The aim of a less invasive approach is to minimize soft tissue disruption, reduce damage to neurovascular structures and thereby prevent muscle atrophy and optimize bone healing potential.

METHODS

A human cadaver dissection study on the vascular and neural structures of the medial side of the distal femur was conducted. Surgical dissection (n = 4), cryomicrotomy and subsequent 3D reconstruction of the anatomy (n = 1), and surgical dissection after performance of a supracondylar osteotomy through a less invasive approach (n = 1) were performed in 6 legs in total.

RESULTS

The surgical dissection and 3D reconstruction showed that a branch of the femoral artery, the distal genicular artery, supplies the distal area of the vastus medialis (VM) muscle. This artery has several branching patterns; crucial in the presented less invasive approach is its musculo-articular branch, which has an oblique course through the VM to the superomedial pole of the patella. The femoral nerve and saphenous nerve innervate the VM. These structures are at risk in the traditional subvastus approach, whereas no major damage was observed in the leg in which a less invasive approach was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cadaveric dissection study, a less invasive approach to the medial side of the distal femur proved to be feasible and safe. Damage to the VM and its neurovascular structures is minimized as compared to the traditional subvastus approach.