A NEW EXPERIMENTAL-MODEL OF A TRUE MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP IN THE RAT - THEGLUTEUS MAXIMUS MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP

Rat myocutaneous flap models are relatively rare. The authors describe the development of a new myocutaneous flap model using the gluteus ma ximus muscle in rats. A description of the anatomy of the gluteus maxi mus is included, along with a method of producing skin-island gluteus maximus myocutaneous flaps that can be pedicled or free. This flap mod el may serve as a useful tool in laboratory studies of the physiologic or pathologic changes in myocutaneous flaps, and may help to narrow t he gap between experimental and clinical applications.