The trapezius osteomusculocutaneous flap in dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary surgery
• Orthopedics
• Tissue engineering

Background:

• Osteomusculocutaneous flaps are crucial for reconstructive surgery.
• Evaluating the viability of bone components within these flaps is essential for successful outcomes.
• The trapezius muscle and scapula offer a potential source for such flaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the viability of a pedicled osteomusculocutaneous flap incorporating the trapezius muscle and scapula in a canine model.
• To determine the differential viability between the scapular spine and body when supplied by the prescapular vascular pedicle.

Main Methods:

• A pedicled osteomusculocutaneous flap was created using the trapezius muscle, overlying skin, and central scapula in four dogs.
• The flap was repositioned orthotopically.
• Bone viability was assessed via histology, fluorescence bone labeling, and angiography.

Main Results:

• Histology, fluorescence, and angiography confirmed high osteocyte viability and vascularity in the scapular spine.
• The central body of the scapula within the flap showed poor osteocyte viability and vascularity.
• The prescapular branch of the superficial cervical vascular pedicle adequately supported the scapular spine.

Conclusions:

• The central spine of the scapula is a viable component for osteomusculocutaneous flaps when based on the prescapular vascular pedicle.
• The body of the scapula in this flap design is not viable and may compromise flap success.
• This flap design shows promise for specific reconstructive applications in veterinary medicine, particularly utilizing the scapular spine.