Summary
Background
Rectus femoris is a versatile muscle frequently used as a pedicled flap in reconstructive
surgery. The anatomy and blood supply of rectus femoris needs to be clearly understood
in order to safely preserve its reconstructive and functional capabilities. Classical
anatomical description states that the proximal pedicle insertion into rectus femoris
is 10– 15 cm from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). The aim of this study
was to dissect and identify the pedicular blood supply to rectus femoris and further
map its morphology relative to the ASIS.
Methods
A dissection of 20 embalmed thighs from 10 cadavers was conducted. The distance of
arterial insertions into rectus femoris from the ASIS were recorded. The cohort was
60% male of median age 79 with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05.
Results
5%, 50%, and 45% of muscles demonstrated 1, 2, and 3 pedicles respectively. The mean
distance from the ASIS to insertion of these pedicles was: proximal 13 cm (SD 2.6),
middle 15 cm (SD 2.8), and distal 18 cm (SD 4.1).
When grouped by number of pedicles, there was no difference in the mean height of
proximal insertion. However, there was significant difference in mean intramuscular
proximal-distal difference. These results were replicated when data were expressed
as % of cadaver height.
Conclusions
This study confirms the pedicular supply of rectus femoris but in contrast to classical
literature demonstrates a greater range of pedicle insertions heights. We believe
these observations should be considered when safely harvesting the pedicled rectus
femoris flap.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 07, 2019
Accepted:
December 21,
2018
Received in revised form:
December 15,
2018
Received:
September 14,
2018
Identification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. All rights reserved.
