Use of an axial pattern skin flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery in the dog

Abstract

An axial pattern skin flap based on the cranial cutaneous branch of the saphenous artery is a viable option for closing medial crus skin defects in the dog.

Evaluation of an Axial Pattern Flap Based on the Cranial Cutaneous Branch of the Saphenous Artery: A Cadaveric Perfusion Study

“…Degner et al noted two cutaneous branches, the more proximal of which coursed caudally and proximally, with the more distal branch extending cranioproximally . This latter branch was identified by Collins and others as the CCSA and was reliably identified in all dogs of our study. Kostolich and Pavletic described the genicular branch originating just proximal to the bifurcation of the saphenous artery into cranial and caudal branches at the level of the proximal medial tibia, noting that paired branches were sometimes present.…”

“…The value, reliability, and robustness of perfusion studies as a tool to predict clinical outcomes requires further investigation. The single case report of the CCSA axial pattern flap that inspired this investigation involved elevation of a smaller flap than our study has suggested might be viable from the observed angiosomal boundaries. It cannot be inferred that the data presented here accurately reflect what might be clinically applicable.…”

“…Axial pattern flaps, which include a direct cutaneous artery and vein, have superior blood supply . Axial pattern flaps reported in the dog include the angularis oris, superficial temporal, caudal auricular, omocervical, thoracodorsal, superficial brachial, lateral thoracic, cranial and caudal superficial epigastric, dorsal and ventral deep circumflex iliac, lateral caudal, lateral genicular, cranial cutaneous branch of the medial saphenous, and reverse saphenous conduit flaps . Axial pattern flaps have particular application for reconstruction of skin defects of the limb, where limited options exist for local techniques.…”

Genicular artery axial pattern flap for reconstruction of skin defects in 22 dogs

“…The cranial cutaneous saphenous flap has only been reported in a single case (Collins et al . ) and is best suited to defects of the medial aspect of the stifle. The genicular artery arises as single or paired vessels arising from the saphenous artery where it passes over the medial surface of the stifle.…”

“…Axial pattern flaps based on the superficial caudal epigastric (Aper & Smeak 2005, Bauer et al 2005, Pavletic 1980), cranial cutaneous saphenous (Collins et al 2013) and genicular (Kostolich 1987) arteries have application to skin deficits of the pelvic limb distal to the stifle. Depending on the conformation of the dog, it may be difficult for the caudal superficial epigastric flap to reach very far distal to the stifle (Pavletic 1980).…”