When a free flap is applied around the knee, which recipient vessel should be selected has not been established.
We retrospectively investigated 15 cases of free flap around the knee at our department to examine selection of a recipient vessel related to the reconstruction area. Regarding the reconstruction area, the anterior surface of the knee was divided into 5 areas from A to E, and the popliteal fossa was defined as F.
The most important factor related to the reconstruction area and selection of a recipient vessel was their anatomical position. For reconstruction of the superior, medial and patellar area of the knee, the descending genicular artery was selected. On the other hand, it was considered difficult to apply the descending genicular artery to the inferior lateral area of the knee and the popliteal fossa. The tibialis anterior artery and lateral superior knee artery are options for the inferior lateral area of the knee. The popliteal artery or its branches are useful for reconstruction of the popliteal fossa.
