Anatomic study of the distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap

The anatomy of the vascular perforation to the distal portions of the vastu s lateralis muscle has been studied in 20 cadaver extremities to outline th e vascular basis for distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap. From the 15.4 +/- 2.4, 11.8 +/- 1.7, and 7.9 +/- 2.0 cm distally to the patella, thr ee quite large branches that issue from the deep femoral artery with the me an diameter of 2.8 +/- 0.2, 2.6 +/- 0.2, and 2.2 +/- 0.3 mm, respectively, distribute the distal parts of vastus lateralis muscle. These branches are thought to be an anatomic basis for the distally based vastus lateralis mus cle flap. This allows the distally based vastus lateralis muscle flap to be raised for coverage of defects (1) in the popliteal fossa posterior and in ferior portions of the knee anteriorly, (2) in the proximal one-third of th e leg, and (3) for a below-knee amputation and the rotation of muscle tissu e, such as when the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle are unavailable.