Abstract:

Objective　To study the origin of the cutaneous branch of lateral supramalleolar flap, and provide anatomic basis for the related clinical applications.　Methods　30 fresh cadaver legs injected with red latex were dissected, and 8 patients receiving repair of the lateral supramalleolar flap were observed. Anatomic data, including the origin of the cutaneous branches and the outer diameter of related arteries were collected and analyzed.　Results　22 out of 30 cadaver legs (73.3%) and 5 out of 8 patients were found that the cutaneous branch of lateral supramalleolar flap arose from the arterial arch between the anterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery, which was proximal to the inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis. The cutaneous branch of the another 8 specimens (26.7%) and 3 patients arose from the perforating branch of the peroneal artery or from the peroneal artery directly.　Conclusions　The cutaneous branch of the lateral supramalleolar flap mainly arises from the arterial arch between the anterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery, and the origin of the cutaneous branch should be identified during the surgery treating.

Key words: Lateral supramalleolar flap, Applied anatomy, Anterior tibial artery, Peroneal artery, Arterial arch