USE OF MUSCLE FLAPS IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Muscle and compound muscle flaps are excellent sources of tissue for r econstructive surgery. The primary indication for the use of muscle fl aps is restoration of form and function in patients with congenital or acquired defects. The flaps can provide a supportive function, as in the repair of traumatic or congenital hernia, and can augment vascular supply in poorly vascularized wounds. Knowledge of the vascular anato my and physical characteristics of the muscle to be transferred is of prime importance. The clinical use of flaps should be based on origina l studies and clinical reports concerning specific muscles as well as classification of muscles according to vascular anatomy and physical c haracteristics. This article discusses the indication, terminology, cl assification, and selection criteria associated with muscle flaps. Spe cific examples of muscle flaps are considered.