Descending genicular artery. Branching patterns and measuring parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of several anatomical studies. Issue 7 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ziegler, Thomas; Kamolz, Lars-Peter; Vasilyeva, Anna; Schintler, Michael; Neuwirth, Maximilian; Parvizi, Daryousch
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 71:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 967
• Page End: 975
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Descending genicular artery -- Medial femoral condyle free flap -- Vascular anatomy -- Bone grafting; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2018.03.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

Summary: Background: The medial femoral condyle (MFC) flap is based on the descending genicular artery (DGA), which is a vessel with different variations in its course and branching patterns. Many studies have dealt with the vascular anatomy of the MFC. However, the results of the investigations differ markedly. Methods: The authors performed a systematic literature search in MEDLINE for articles published until May 2017 on the vascular anatomy of the DGA. After the screening, 23 relevant studies with a similar topic were included into this comprehensive analysis. Results: The systematic review examined the lengths and diameters of the individual arteries with regard to the vascularized bone flap of the MFC. The DGA is present in 94% of cases with an average length of 1.8 cm. In 63% of the investigated cases, the DGA divides into three terminal branches. The articular branch has an average length of 7.7 cm, the saphenous branch has a length of 10.7 cm, and the muscular branch has a length of 3.2 cm. Conclusion: To ensure a secured survival of this free flap, a detailed understanding of the convoluted vascular anatomy above the MFC is necessary. We recommend the Dubois classification for a systematic classification of the anatomical patterns of the DGA.We present a summary of all anatomical studies dealing with the vascular supply to the MFC and the DGA to date.