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Clinical study of peroneal artery perforators with computed tomographic angiography: implications for fibular flap harvest

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Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies of cutaneous perforators of the peroneal artery have shown great variability, and attest to the significant anatomical variability in this region. Furthermore, the vascular anatomy of the region has been considered unreliable in the prediction of ideal perforator topography. Preoperative imaging has been suggested as a means for improving preoperative awareness, with Doppler ultrasound and eco-colour (duplex) ultrasound as useful tools. Multi-detector row computed tomographic angiography (CTA or angio CT), has emerged as a significant improvement, providing non-invasive operator-independent details of the vascular anatomy. We utilised this tool to perform an in vivo, anatomical study of the peroneal artery perforators, and demonstrating the usefulness of CTA in planning the osteocutaneous free fibula flap.

Methods

Forty-one consecutive patients (82 limbs) underwent CTA of the lower limb vasculature, with the anatomical details of the peroneal artery cutaneous perforators assessed.

Results

CTA was able to demonstrate the size, course and penetration pattern of all perforators over 0.3 mm in diameter, with measurements for perforators over 0.8 mm diameter recorded for analysis. Of 171 such perforators, accurate identification of the size (mean diameter 1.91 mm), course (59.6% septocutaneous, 29.2% musculocutaneous and 11.1% septomusculocutaneous) and location was achieved.

Conclusion

The vascular anatomy of peroneal artery perforators is highly variable, and thus there is a role for preoperative imaging. CTA can demonstrate cases where there is aberrant or non-preferred anatomy, or select the limb of choice for harvest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cagliari University Hospital, S.S. 554, Monserrato (CA), Italy

    Diego Ribuffo & Matteo Atzeni

  2. Department of Radiology, Cagliari University Hospital, Monserrato (CA), Italy

    Luca Saba & Giorgio Mallarini

  3. Division of Plastic Surgery, San Gallicano Institute, Rome, Italy

    Maristella Guerra

  4. Division of Otolaryngology, S. Giovanni Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Ernesto Biagio Proto

  5. Jack Brockhoff Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Research Unit, Room E533, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, 3050, Australia

    Damien Grinsell, Mark W. Ashton & Warren M. Rozen

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  1. Diego Ribuffo
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  2. Matteo Atzeni
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Correspondence to Matteo Atzeni.

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Ribuffo, D., Atzeni, M., Saba, L. et al. Clinical study of peroneal artery perforators with computed tomographic angiography: implications for fibular flap harvest. Surg Radiol Anat 32, 329–334 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0559-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0559-y

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