Descending genicular artery. Branching patterns and measuring parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of several anatomical studies.

Descending genicular artery. Branching patterns and measuring parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of several anatomical studies.

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2018 Mar 28;:

Authors: Ziegler T, Kamolz LP, Vasilyeva A, Schintler M, Neuwirth M, Parvizi D

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap is based on the descending genicular artery (DGA), which is a vessel with different variations in its course and branching patterns. Many studies have dealt with the vascular anatomy of the MFC. However, the results of the investigations differ markedly.
METHODS: The authors performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE for articles published until May 2017 on the vascular anatomy of the DGA. After the screening, 23 relevant studies with a similar topic were included into this comprehensive analysis.
RESULTS: The systematic review examined the lengths and diameters of the individual arteries with regard to the vascularized bone flap of the MFC. The DGA is present in 94% of cases with an average length of 1.8 cm. In 63% of the investigated cases, the DGA divides into three terminal branches. The articular branch has an average length of 7.7 cm, the saphenous branch has a length of 10.7 cm, and the muscular branch has a length of 3.2 cm.
CONCLUSION: To ensure a secured survival of this free flap, a detailed understanding of the convoluted vascular anatomy above the MFC is necessary. We recommend the Dubois classification for a systematic classification of the anatomical patterns of the DGA.We present a summary of all anatomical studies dealing with the vascular supply to the MFC and the DGA to date.

PMID: 29655665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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