Morphological Anatomy of the Trapezius Muscle, about 58 Dissections: What to Know before Harvesting the Muscular Flap

Abstract

Introduction: The musculocutaneous flaps of the trapezius muscle are interesting options in head and neck reconstruction surgery. However, these flaps are based on a very variable vascularization of the trapezius. The purpose of this paper is to review the basics of the trapezius muscle morphology and vascular anatomy, through a series of dissections. Materials and methods:Fifty-eight anatomical regions were dissected. For each dissection the perforating arteries of the trapezius muscle have been identified and the morphological anatomy of the muscle has been studied. Results:In all our dissections, the trapezius muscle parts presented as described in the literature: a descending cranial part, a transverse middle part, and an ascending caudal part. On the surface corresponding to trapezius muscle, an average of 15 perforators arteries were found on each side of the line of spinous processes. Conclusion:Each of the trapezius muscle parts can serve as a basis for harvesting a muscular or musculocutaneous flap. However, variations in the vascular anatomy of each part must be taken into account.