Le lambeau perforant de fascia lata en reconstruction mammaire : une option intéressante en cas de contre-indication au DIEP

The accessory vascularization of the tensor fasciae latae muscle: towards a new classification?

PURPOSE

The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle is supplied by the lateral femoral circumflex artery (LCFA), arising from the deep femoral artery. However, it has been noted that there is also a consistent vascular anastomotic network. The aim of this study was to describe the accessory vascularization of the TFL muscle through a descriptive anatomical study, in order to hypothesize the feasibility of harvesting a TFL flap in the event of an injury to the main pedicle. In addition, we illustrate this hypothesis with a successful clinical case of Scarpa freconstruction following ligature of the deep femoral artery.

METHODS

The description of the accessory vascularization was obtained by injecting dye into seven lateral femoral circumflex arteries (LCFA), six superficial circumflex iliac arteries (SCIA), and three inferior gluteal arteries (IGA).

RESULTS

The TFL muscle was vascularized primarily by the LCFA. A vascular anastomotic network with the SCIA and the IGA was observed. After selective injection to the SCIAs and IGAs, the subsequent injection to the LCFA showed a diffusion of the TFL skin paddle with a perforasome overlapping between the different vascular territories.

CONCLUSION

The ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex plays a dominant role in the vascularization of the TFL muscle. As a result of a periarticular anastomotic network of the hip, this artery establishes several connections with the proximal arteries. Consequently, in cases where blood flow through the LCFA is interrupted, it should be equally possible to harvest the TFL flap through its accessory vascularization.

"Reverse tensor fascia latae perforator flap for reconstruction of knee defect: Anatomic study by computed tomographic angiography and a case report"

BACKGROUND

Reverse anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTp) pedicle flap can be used to reconstruct perigenicular defect thanks to the anastomoses between the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and the perigenicular network. In a few cases, however, patients do not present any ALTp. We hypothesized that, in such cases, an adjacent perforator, the tensor fascia latae perforator (TFLp), emerging from the LCFA ascending branch, could be used instead. To assess the feasibility of this technique, a radiological study was conducted. A first patient was treated using this option.

METHODS

Sixty lower limb computed tomography were analyzed. The first treated patient was a 50-years-old man suffering from a 5-mm chronic bone exposure and osteomyelitis. Other reconstructive options were not indicated since he presented a multiscarry leg, severe arteriopathy, and no ALTp. A TFLp flap was raised, and the LCFA ascending and descending branches were dissected in continuity. After ligation of the LCFA, the blood flow reversed in the descending branch to irrigate the flap through the ascending branch.

RESULTS

A TFL perforator was observed in all the cases of the radiological study. The LCFA branching pattern was compatible with achieving a reverse TFL perforator flap in 43 cases (72%). The average pedicle length was 32 cm (22-38 cm). In the first clinical case, the flap covered the defect easily. After three months, the patient showed no evidence of infection recurrence and recovered a painless walk.

CONCLUSION

The reverse TFLp flap can be a suitable option for perigenicular reconstruction.