Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2018, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (4): 361-366.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2018.04.001

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Anatomic basis of the lateral calcaneal artery perforator skin flap

HUANG Hai-hua1, WU Ze-yong1, CHEN Xiu-feng1,  LI Xiao-fang1, WANG Sui-jiang2   

  1. 1.Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001;  2. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
  • Received:2018-05-07 Online:2018-07-25 Published:2018-08-21

Abstract:

Objective To report the vascular anatomy of the integument in the Achilles tendon area, with an emphasis on the lateral calcaneal artery perforators emerging superficially along the lateral margin of the Achilles tendon. Methods 16 cadaveric legs were dissected to investigate the perforators arising from the vertical segment of the lateral calcaneal artery(LCA) in terms of number and location relative to the tip of the lateral malleolus, and distribution. Results The peroneal artery (PA) ended into the anterior perforating branch and LCA at the level of (6.6±1.1) cm (range 5.5~9.4 cm) above the tip of the lateral malleolus. LCA pierced the fascia separating the deep posterior and superficial posterior compartment of the lower leg, proceeded between the Achilles tendon and peroneal tendons. It followed a curve around the lateral malleolus. Both PA and LCA, especially the LCA, gave off an average of (3.6±0.7) perforators with an average diameter of ( 0.9±0.29) mm that contributed to nourishment of the integument overlying the Achilles tendon.  Conclusions The integument overlying the Achilles tendon derives its blood supply through the perforators of the LCA primarily and that of the PA secondarily. It provides the anatomic basis for appreciating the LCA with regard to its terminology, clinical significance, perforator flap design and hindfoot surgery.

Key words: Lateral retromalleolar space;   , Lateral calcaneal artery;   , Perforator flap