A Cadaveric Study of the Anatomical Characteristics of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator

Background  The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIP flap) is an evolution of the conventional free groin flap. Even though the anatomical basis for SCIP flap is well established in general, the same is not described in a South Indian population. Objectives  The objectives of our study were to determine the anatomical variations of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforators (SCIA perforators) and describe them in relation to the nearby bony landmarks like anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and pubic tubercle (PT). Materials and Methods  This observational study was done between October 2020 and December 2021. Cadaveric dissection was done and the required anatomic data were collected. Results  The mean diameter of SCIA was 0.99 mm and the mean pedicle length was 2.97 cm. The average diameters of the medial and lateral perforators were 0.63 and 0.55 mm, respectively. The pedicle lengths of the medial and lateral perforators were 3.03 and 4.31 cm, respectively. The medial perforator was 5.63 cm lateral and 1.66 cm superior to the PT. It was 5.37 cm medial and 5.99 cm inferior to the ASIS. The lateral perforator was 7.97 cm lateral and 2.73 cm superior to the PT. It was 2.86 cm medial and 4.11 cm inferior to the ASIS. Conclusion  Finding the exact location of the medial and the lateral perforators with respect to permanent bony landmarks and having an idea about their average pedicle length are useful for preoperative planning of the SCIP flap.