Free Tissue Transfer to the Knee for a Complex Wound Coverage When Good Recipient Vessels Are Not Available.

Area of Science:

• Microsurgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Free tissue transfer to the knee presents challenges due to limited recipient vessel options.
• Conventional methods like vein grafts or arteriovenous loops increase flap failure risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a technique for creating reliable recipient vessels for knee free flap reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of using the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels (DB of LCFV) or anterior tibial vessels (ATV) as recipient vessels.

Main Methods:

• Three patients with knee defects underwent free flap reconstruction.
• The DB of LCFV or ATV were dissected and prepared as recipient vessels.
• Microvascular anastomoses were performed end-to-end with the created recipient vessels.

Main Results:

• Successful dissection and utilization of DB of LCFV and ATV as recipient vessels.
• All three free flap reconstructions were successful with no postoperative complications.
• Flaps remained viable, providing reliable soft tissue coverage with good contour during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels and anterior tibial vessels can be effectively utilized as recipient vessels for knee free flap reconstruction.
• This technique simplifies free tissue transfer to the knee, avoiding the need for vein grafts or arteriovenous loops and ensuring flap reliability.