[Fasciocutaneous flap of the posterior surface of the thigh with distal pedicle. Anatomical study and surgical value. A propos of 3 cases].

In the light of previous studies, the authors conducted an anatomical study on 21 cadaveric dissections with injection in order to define the characteristics of the distally based fasciocutaneous flap of the posterior surface of the thigh, described for the first time in 1988 by Maruyama. This leaf-shaped flap extends from the popliteal region to the gluteal sulcus. It possesses an axial arterial network derived from the popliteal artery, reinforced by the perforating arteries derived from the vessel or the profunda femoris artery. The venous return is ensured by venae comitantes and the communicating saphenous vein. The flap raising technique is described. From 1991 to 1994, 3 patients were operated in order to cover a defect of the knee (1 case) and amputation stumps (2 cases). The postoperative course was uneventful and the results were considered to be stable and of excellent quality with a follow-up of 2 to 4 years.