Abstract:

Objective　To provide applied anatomical basis for design of perforator-pedicled flap with nutritional vessels of the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve and the lateral vein of the foot to reconstruct the soft tissue defects of the forefoot.　Methods　30 specimens of adult human feet perfused with red latex have been used. The following contents were observed under surgical magnifier: ①The course and distribution of lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of the foot, and the lateral vein of foot; ②The anastomoses among the dorsal perforator of lateral plantar artery and the nutritional vessels of the lateral superficial vein and the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of the foot. Simulated operation was performed on another fresh specimen． Results  ①The lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot was the direct continuation of the trunk, and coursed along with the lateral vein of the foot, innervating lateral aspect of  the dorsal foot and the lateral skin of the fifth toe;  ②Nutritional vessels of the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of the foot and the lateral vein of the foot were of multiple segments and multiple origins. The perforator of the lateral plantar artery was relatively consistent in position, emerging superficially between the fifth metatarsal bone and lateral group of muscles of the fifth phalange. It gave off minute branches to anastomose with longitudinal nutritional vascular plexus of lateral dorsal superficial vein the foot.　Conclusion　The perforator-pedicled flap with nutritional vessels of the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve and the lateral vein of the foot can be harvested to repair the defect of soft tissue on forefoot.

Key words:  Lateral plantar artery, The fifth metatarsal bone, Lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot, Lateral vein of foot, Neurocutaneous vascular flap