Medial flap of the shank - Anatomical study and clinical application.

By anatomical study in 40 cadaver legs it was shown that the blood of the medial leg flap is supplied by the ramus saphenus, which is the cutaneous branch of the descending genicular artery. Venous drainage of the flap is by the great saphenous vein. The medial femoral condyle and the great saphenous vein serve as the markers of the top and the longitudinal ax s of the flap respectively. The vascular pedicle is about 10 cm in length, the flap measures 10×20 cm. This paper presents our experience in the use of the medial leg flap. The largest flap was 16×18 cm as an island flap or a free flap in 6 cases for repairing soft tissue defect of the knee, heel and hand with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]