Application of Superior Lateral Genicular Artery Perforator Flap for Knee Defects

Çeçen S., Akın S.

12th BAPRAS CONGRESS 2023, Konya, Türkiye, 13 - 16 Eylül 2023, ss.210-213

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Konya
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.210-213
  • Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Application of Superior Lateral Genicular Artery Perforator Flap for Knee Defects

Introduction and Objectives

The knee is the human body’s biggest joint and is susceptible to trauma, severe burn injuries, tumor, infection, and post-surgical complications, such as hard-wire or prosthesis exposure. These injuries may result in substantial consequences, such as tendon, bone, joint, and ligament injuries and exposure of essential structures.  Local flaps, muscle flaps, perforator flaps, and free tissue transfers have been identified and used for the soft reconstruction of the knee. 

This study aims to evaluate the use of fasciocutaneous flaps originating from the superior lateral genicular artery, located on the distal of the thigh, in knee reconstruction.

Materials and Methods

Between 2018 and 2022, this flap was used in 5 patients suitable for these evaluations. We chose five patients with soft tissue defects around the knee and reconstructed defects with the SLGP flap.

Results

Two patients had marginal necrosis of the distal tip of the flap. These patients' marginal flap loss management was with debridement and primary closure. Primary donor site closure wasn’t possible, managed with split skin grafts. No late complications were observed in the donor area or the covered defect site.

Discussion and Conclusion

The most important advantage of the superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap over other options is that it has characteristics similar to the skin of the knee and knee circumference. Even though a perforator flap that can be obtained from the superior medial of the knee and is based on the descending genicular artery has been defined, fasciocutaneous flaps originating from the medial knee remain thicker than the lateral region.

The superior lateral genicular artery is reliable with consistent anatomy. Although the need for grafting of the donor site may develop, the superior lateral genicular artery perforator flap is a reasonable option for soft tissue defects in the knee region.