The posterior tibial artery free flap for head and neck reconstruction

Abstract

The posterior tibial artery free flap (PTAFF) has been a mainstay of lower extremity reconstruction. Over the past 30 years, it has been intermittently used for head and neck reconstruction with recent renewed interest given its versatility. Recent findingsUse of the PTAFF in head and neck reconstruction is expanding along with the continued evolution of microvascular techniques. Differences in overall health, incidence of smoking, and body habitus can impact the utility of this flap and should be taken into consideration when choosing to use it.

Comparison between free posterior tibial flap and free radial forearm flap for head and neck reconstruction: an anatomical study and a retrospective comparative cohort study

“…A comparison of the recipient veins determined that the cephalic vein matched the external jugular vein better, while the posterior tibial vein was closely anastomosed with the posterior facial vein, regardless of thickness. According to the literature ( 8 , 9 , 24 - 26 ), the incidence of posterior tibial artery absence or deformity is 0.0–5%, but we did not observe anatomical deformities in our anatomical and clinical applications study. To prevent this deformation from affecting clinical applications, routine examinations of the limb blood vessels with CTA or Doppler ultrasound should be performed before surgery.…”

“…It is well known that the forearm and lower leg are highly similar in terms of embryology, histology, and anatomy. Also, the posterior tibial artery perforator flap is most similar to the radial forearm flap ( 8 , 9 ). At present, however, there is a lack of study that directly compare that characteristics of free posterior tibial flap (FPTF) and free radial forearm flap (FRFF) in anatomy and clinic.…”