OBJECTIVETo investigate the blood vascular distribution of supra-genicular flap and to apply the retrograded supra-genicular flap for reconstructive surgery.

METHODSEight fresh adult cadavers with 16 lower extremities were used for the study, by means of injecting the media of red latex into the main artery of the limb. The skin vascular architecture on the lower two thirds of each thigh was observed to decide the blood supply of this region. Fifty-two patients were also used to treat the scarring contraction of the popiteal fossa with 56 of the retrograded supra-genicular flaps, and long-term follow-ups were carried out.

RESULTSFrom this study, it was found that there are rich blood vascular networks of the skin above the knee anteriorally, laterally and medially. The abundant vascular anastomoses were also found around the knee. The clinical application of the retrograded supra-genicular flap was successfully carried out for the treatment of the scarring contraction of the popiteal fossa. All of the flaps were survived well. Long-term results were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONThe above mentioned flap is a safe and effective flap for repair the defect of the popiteal fossa.