Anatomical and Radiological Study of the Vascular Distribution and Skin Territory for the Tensor Fasciae Latae Free Flap

Shin, Chae Soo; Paik, Doo Jin

Abstract

The authors studied the pattern of vascularization of the tensor fasciae latae muscle in 110 Korean cadavers using macroscopic dissection and radiographic methods. The location of the points in this study were expressed as XY coordination in reference to the line between ASIS (A) and lateral margin of the patella (B). The deep femoral artery was arised from XY coordination value X: 8.1 cm, Y: 5.5 cm. The length and external diameter of the deep femoral artery were 30.0 mm, and 5.6 mm, respectively. The most common pattern of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was from the deep femoral artery 81.4% (n: 176) and femoral artery 18.6% (n: 42). The lateral circumflex femoral artery was arised from XY coordination value X: 10.3+/-1.3 cm, Y: 4.6+/-0.8 cm and ended XY coordination value X: 10.5+/-2.3 cm, Y: 3.7+/-9.6 cm. Lateral circumflex femoral artery branched into ascending, transverse and descending branch. The length and external diameter of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was 21.2+/-12.9 mm, and 5.1+/-2.3 mm, respectively. The average number of branches, length and external diameter of pedicles to the tensor fasciae latae muscle were 3.9+/-3.5, 30.9+/-12.1 mm and 2.6+/-0.7 mm, respectively. The pedicle of the tensor fasciae latae muscle arised from XYcoordination X: 8.8+/-2.0cm, 1.8+/-0.9 cm and skin territory was 5x13 cm2 at 13 cm on the line AB. The pattern of distribution, arterial supply and territories of the tensor fasciae latae muscle obtained in this study will provide useful anatomical backgrounds for the free flap surgery.