[A composite osteomusculocutaneous free flap from the medial femoral condyle: anatomic characteristics, clinical aspects, new applications].

Advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery allow an almost complete functional and aesthetic reconstruction after severe injuries. However, particularly the treatment of complex defects involving different tissue components is still challenging. The reconstruction requires a combined flap consisting of different tissues from an adequate donor area. In this context, we focused on anatomical and clinical aspects of transplants from the area of the medial femoral condyle. In this study, the anatomical characteristics and potentials of various flaps from the region of this region are described. Moreover, previous literature on this subject is put in context with both the results of our own anatomical study and our clinical experience. The supplying vessel is the descending genicular artery with its branches. In addition to the consistency in vessel length and diameter, the descending genicular artery has a continuous distribution in a periosteal, cutaneous and muscular branch. Due to this anatomical characteristic, this donor site offers the possibility for several customized transplants. Thus, the distal medial thigh is a versatile and reliable donor site for plastic surgical procedures.