Medial fascia lata perforator flap: Anatomical basis and clinical application as a pedicled or free flap

Abstract

Adipofascial flaps have proven to be an excellent tool for multipurpose reconstruction as free or pedicled flaps. The anatomical studies in this field are now focused on improving esthetics in reconstruction while maintaining a minimal donor site morbidity. An anatomical cadaver study has been carried out to investigate the medial thigh region as a potential donor site for adipofascial flaps.Eighteen thighs from fresh cadavers were dissected and a new territory with autonomous vascular supply was defined through vascular injection, anatomical dissection, transillumination, and angiography. Cutaneous access was made in a “T” shape. The fascia harvests had to be centered on the adductor longus and gracilis muscles bearing in mind the position of the flap pedicle. The fascial flap was isolated from adductor longus and gracilis muscles and isolated on his pedicle (medial circumflex femoral artery).After our anatomical study, we used the flap in 2 clinical cases. The results of our anatomical study and clinical cases confirmed the suitability and reliability of a new flap: the “Medial Fascia Lata Flap.” Flap size ranged from 20 to 25 cm and has the advantage of preserving the functionality of the thigh muscles. The study showed that the “Medial Fascia Lata Flap” is easy to harvest, and the resulting scar is concealed. In consideration of its suitability, reliability and aesthetical advantages, it could be proposed as a good option in selected cases.

Keywords

• Adipofascial flaps
• Gracilis flap
• TUG flap
• Cadaveric study
• Anatomical dissections
• Femoralis fascia