J Reconstr Microsurg 1988; 4(3): 209-215
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006921
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1988 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Neovascularized Bone, Muscle, and Myo-Osseous Free Flaps: An Experimental Model

Yuichi Hirasé, Fredrick A. Valauri, Harry J. Buncke
  • Departments of Plastic Surgery, NYU/Bellevue Medical Center, New York, New York and Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, and the Microsurgical Replantation Transplantation Department, Davies Medical Center, San Francisco, California
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1987

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Different techniques for creating neovascularized bone, muscle, and myo-osseous free flaps were examined and evaluated in an experimental model. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were divided into four equal groups: 1) cortical bone flap (clam flap); 2) cortical bone and muscle flap (clam-muscle flap); 3) cortical and cancellous bone chip flap (Marlex-mesh flap); and 4) cortical and cancellous bone chip flap (silicone-cone flap). After 3 1/2 weeks, when neovascularization of the flaps developed, they were reliably transferred as free flaps based on their neopedicles. Post transfer, histologic and intravascular latex injections studies were performed, revealing significant differences in the character of neovascularization in the various flaps. The most abundant neovascularization was evident in the cortical bone and muscle (clam-muscle) flap, and the least in one of the cortical and cancellous bone (Marlex mesh) flap preparations.

The silicone-cone flap (cancellous bone chips placed in a cone of silicone) neovascularized and maintained bony architecture. This preparation simulates a hostile wound environment and may prove useful clinically, if similar techniques can be applied to augment vascularization of conventional bone grafts in situ, either as cancellous bone graft or as augmented iliac crest or fibular cortical bone graft. If clinically applicable, flaps created by these techniques may provide versatile alternatives to conventional free flaps.