The vascular anatomy and dissection of the free scapular flap

This article refers to the author's personal experience with a new scapular flap based on the dissection of 35 cadavers. In total, 70 free flaps were dissected. Its main advantages are the following: constancy of vascular anatomy; adequate size, length, and diameter of its vascular pedicle (which is formed by the cutaneous scapular artery and two veins); easy surgical dissection; primary closure of the donor site; and limited scar. However, this technique is not recommended in cases in which a large loss of substance is to be replaced. The first successful surgical application of the microsurgical scapular flap was performed in Paris in October of 1979.