Frequency and Location of Cutaneous Perforators of Thigh: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Cutaneous perforators are essential for the survival of skin flaps in reconstructive surgery, particularly in thigh flaps. These perforators originate from major arteries, such as the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the superficial femoral artery. Understanding the vascular anatomy of these perforators enhances the effectiveness of reconstructive procedures.
A study was conducted on 15 lower limbs to determine the frequency and location of the cutaneous perforators in the thigh after injecting methylene blue dye. A total of 443 perforators were observed in the thigh. The highest number of perforators originated from the superficial femoral artery (25.2%), followed by the perforating femoral artery (21.4%), lateral circumflex femoral artery (23.7%), medial circumflex femoral artery (20.7%), and perforating obturator artery (8.08%).
A thorough understanding of the vascular anatomy of these perforators will benefit reconstructive surgeons when harvesting skin flaps.