[Applied anatomical studies on the pedicled lateral pedal musculocutaneous flap]

OBJECTIVE: To provide the anatomical basis for the repair of the soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the foot. METHODS: Sixty-eight low extremity specimens were taken from fresh cadavers. The arterial distributions of the foot were observed by perfusing red latex, barium sulfate, Chinese ink and 10% gelatin, also studied by X-ray angiography and microdissection. RESULTS: The blood supply of the lateral pedal region was ensured by the lateral tarsal artery and perforating branch of the peroneal artery. The external diameter of the lateral tarsal artery was 0.9+/-0.2 0.5 approximate, equals 1.8 mm while external diameter of the perforating branch of the peroneal artery was 1.2+/-0.3 0.5 approximate, equals 2.1 mm. CONCLUSION: The lateral pedal musculocutaneous flap can be devised according to the different repair regions to restore the defected soft tissues of the foot.