A true osteomyocutaneous free-flap model in rats: the saphenous artery osteomyocutaneous flap

A new composite free-flap model, namely, the saphenous artery osteomyocutaneous flap, is described in the rat. This is a true osteomyocutaneous flap composed of a skin island from the medial aspect of the lower leg, the gracilis and semitendinosus muscles, and a bone segment from the tibia based on the saphenous vascular pedicle. After anatomic studies in 10 rats, 20 flaps were transplanted microsurgically to the abdominal region in the recipient rats with a 90 percent success rate. In selected animals, arteriography was carried out. The results from gross observation of the flap survival and histologic and fluorochrome bone-labeling studies revealed a complete survival for each component of the flap in all animals with a patent vascular pedicle at 2 weeks after transfer. The model seems to be suitable for use in metabolic, vascular, and immunologic experimental studies on composite free flaps.