Free microvascular transfer of the acromiotrapezius osteomuscular flap in rats

The acromiotrapezius-scapular spine osteomuscular flap is a new osteomuscul ar research model for use in microvascular free tissue transfer in rats. We performed anatomical studies to collect data on muscle weight, dimension, vessel calibre and bone size in 20 flaps. This flap has a triangular shape with an average size of 38 x 39 x 32 mm and an average weight of 1.25 g; th e scapular spine of 20 mm in average length can be harvested with the flap. The pedicle can be taken in continuity with the cervical trunk (average di ameter of artery and vein were 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm, respectively, with an ave rage pedicle length of 12 mm). The flap was harvested and transferred to th e groin area of the same rat and anastomosed to the superficial epigastric vessels. Fifteen transplantations were performed and the 7-day flap surviva l was 93.3%. The acromiotrapezius flap is believed to be a new and reliable osteomuscular model in the rat. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plasti c Surgeons.