VASCULAR ANATOMY OF THE TROCHANTERIC REGION - A POSSIBLE DONOR AREA FOR FREE PERFORATOR FLAPS

50 anatomical dissections on 30 fresh cadavers with blue dye coloratio n of the pedicle, angiography and vascular visualization by methyl met hacrylate have been performed. The transverse branch of the lateral ci rcumflex femoral artery (LCFA) was found to be the dominant vessel to the trochanteric area. The length of the pedicle was always more than 6 cm and the caliber more than 2 mm. The main branch of the pedicle re aches the fat tissue as a large perforator vessel after leaving minor branches to the tensor fascia lata muscle (TFL). We believe that it is possible to raise the fat tissue of the trochanteric area as a latera l circumflex femoral perforator flap (LCFP-flap).