The Lateral Genicular Artery Flap

Abstract

A method for reconstruction of skin defects around the knee using the lateral genicular artery flap is presented. This flap is supplied mainly by the cutaneous perforator of the superior lateral genicular artery. On the basis of ten cadaver dissections, we found that the nutrient artery is reliable, penetrates the deep fascia at a small triangular area surrounded by the lateral femoral condyle, the vastus lateralis, and the short head of the biceps femoris, and anastomoses predominantly with the lateral perforators of the profunda femoris artery in the midlayer of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. This flap can be safely extended to the midpoint between the lateral femoral condyle and the greater trochanter.