Principles

Question 1

Name some indications for reconstructing using vascularised free muscle flaps

Answer 1

1. Defects requiring filling of dead space
2. Coverage of exposed vital structures
3. Treatment of osteomyelitis
4. Functional reconstruction of muscle loss or absence in congenital conditions
5. Coverage of exposed orthopedic hardware

Question 2

Define a flap

Answer 2

A flap is a unit of tissue of variable composition which, when transferred from donor to recipient site brings its own blood supply and intrinsic circulation

Question 3

How can you classify flaps?

Answer 3

Blood supply
Movement
Composition

Question 4

Explain the Mathes and Nahai classification

Answer 4

A classification system for muscle flaps”

Type I: One vascular pedicle (e.g. TFL)
Type II: One dominant pedicle and minor pedicles (e.g. Gracilis)
Type III: Two dominant pedicles (e.g. Gluteus maximus)
Type IV: Segmental vascular pedicles (e.g. sartorius)
Type V: One dominant pedicle and secondary segmental pedicles (e.g. Latissimus dorsi)