Assessment of Variability in Free Flap Color Match to Facial Skin by Donor Site and Race.

OBJECTIVES: To use portable colorimetry to quantify color differences between facial skin and potential three head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) donor sites-radial forearm (RF), anterolateral thigh (ALT), and fibula (FF)-and compare these differences by pigmentation of the donor site skin and self-identified race. METHODS: In this cross-sectional cohort study, healthy volunteers consented to handheld colorimeter measurements at the three potential MFTT donor sites (RF, ALT, FF) to quantify color match to the facial skin using the CIE color space (DeltaE). The comparison of ipsilateral to contralateral cheek served as control for measurements. Cross-sectional measurements in healthy volunteers were then compared to measurements obtained in postoperative head and neck MFTT patients. RESULTS: DeltaE measurements were obtained for 128 healthy controls and 24 postoperative patients (N = 152). With increasing lightness (decreased pigmentation) of the skin at the donor site, the color match significantly worsened (higher DeltaE) across all potential MFTT donor sites (all p < 0.05). DeltaE from healthy controls closely approximated postoperative color match measurements in patients who underwent cervicofacial MFTT (DeltaE RF: 5.3 vs. 6.0, p = 0.432; DeltaE ALT: 6.2 vs. 6.4, p = 0.822; DeltaE FF: 6.0 vs. 6.4, p = 0.806). CONCLUSION: Patients with decreased skin pigmentation who are undergoing head and neck MFTT may experience worse color discrepancy between cervicofacial skin and the transferred skin paddle than those with more pigmented skin. Portable colorimetry may identify patients who could benefit from interventions such as dermis-resected free tissue reconstruction with skin grafting to improve postoperative appearance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3581-3586, 2024.

A simplified classification and economical application of anterolateral thigh flap.

BACKGROUND: Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps have several anatomical variations and clinical uses. Here, a simplified classification and economical application are introduced. METHODS: A total of 168 ALT flap reconstructions performed between January 2013 and December 2016 were reviewed. Vascular anatomy of the flaps was classified into 5 types: type I (single perforator from the transverse branch), type II (single perforator from the descending branch), type III (multiple perforators from the transverse branch), type IV (multiple perforators from the descending branch), and type V (multiple perforators from both branches). Furthermore, flaps harvested via preservation of the proximal perforator were compared with those that were not. RESULTS: Vascular classification revealed that type IV (50.0%) and type V (32.1%) flaps were the most commonly used. Of these, 50.0% of type IV and 79.6% of type V were harvested as proximal-perforator-preserving distal ALT flaps. The proximal-perforator-preserving group had a smaller flap size (104.4 ± 84.3 cm2 versus 145.9 ± 94.1 cm2, p = 0.003), shorter reconstruction time (266.3 ± 76.1 min versus 302.0 ± 103.0 min, p = 0.013), and fewer donor-site complications (2.4% versus 13.3%, p = 0.009) than the traditional group, whereas the flap success rate was comparable (96.5% versus 96.4%) between them. Five cases received a second ALT flap from the same donor site after 3 failures and 2 metachronous defects. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple perforators in ALT flaps allow the harvesting of 2 ALT flaps from the same donor-site metachronously. Our classification and applications can improve efficiency while reducing donor-site morbidity.

Assessment of the Damage to Hip Abductor Muscles in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Approach With or Without Trochanteric Flip Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Although introduction of minimally invasive techniques via anterolateral approaches considerably decreased prolonged limp after total hip arthroplasty (THA), potential damage to the abductor muscles is still a concern. This study aimed to evaluate the residual damage after primary THA with two types of anterolateral approach by assessing fatty infiltration and atrophy of the gluteus medius (GMed) and gluteus minimus (GMin) muscles. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 100 primary THAs using computed tomography; surgeries were performed by detaching the anterior part of the abductor muscles with a bone fragment (anterolateral approach with trochanteric flip osteotomy) or without it (anterolateral approach without trochanteric flip osteotomy). The change in radiodensities (RDs), cross-sectional areas (CSAs), and clinical scores preoperatively and at 1 year after operation were evaluated. RESULTS: The RD and CSA of GMed increased 1 year postoperatively in 86 and 81% of patients, respectively, while RD and CSA of GMin decreased in 71 and 94%, respectively. The improvement of RD of GMed was more frequently seen in the posterior rather than the anterior part, while the GMin decreased in both parts. The RD decrease of GMin was significantly lower in the anterolateral approach with trochanteric flip osteotomy group than the anterolateral approach without trochanteric flip osteotomy group (P = .0250). However, there was no difference in the clinical scores between the two groups. The change in the RD of GMed was the only factor that correlated with clinical scores. CONCLUSION: The two anterolateral approaches both improved the RD of GMed, recovery of which was significantly associated with postoperative clinical scores. Although the two approaches showed different recovery patterns in GMin until 1 year after THA, both showed similar improvements in clinical scores.

An Original Approach to Massive Weight Loss Deformities in the Lower Thigh: A Retrospective Assessment of Results and Patients' Satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Massive weight loss (MWL) patients present skin and soft-tissue laxity and ptosis involving inner thighs. Previous efforts were focused on the upper two thirds of the thigh, while literature has never dealt specifically with lower thigh contouring. We present an original approach to the lower inner thigh, intended for patients who already had upper thigh lift, discussing outcomes, advantages, and limits of our technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen female MWL patients with persisting severe deformities in the lower inner thigh, following an upper thigh lift, received lower third medial thigh contouring, through concurrent liposuction and skin excision, between 2017 and 2019. The excision pattern consisted of an inferiorly-based vertical triangular component, centered on the inner midline, and a distal horizontal crescent, resulting in an inverted-T scar. Our series was retrospectively investigated, comparing preoperative and 12-month postoperative pictures and assessing the outcomes by means of a tailor-made 11-item survey. RESULTS: Three patients had minor complications (two cases of skin de-epithelization at the wound margin, one granuloma). Photographic assessment showed a 15.9% transverse diameter reduction (p<0.05). The questionnaire showed encouraging scores for all the investigated items. Mean overall satisfaction was 9.6/10. CONCLUSION: Despite the retrospective design and the limited sample size, in consideration of the applicability of this technique in selected cases, and the need for a two-step procedure, separate upper and lower thigh contouring, the results of our study showed a considerable improvement of the inner thighs by our personal combined liposuction and lower medial thigh lift approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Reliability of Color Doppler Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Anterolateral Thigh Flap Perforators: A Prospective Study of 30 Perforators.

Despite numerous advantages, the anterolateral thigh perforator flap suffers from the variable position and nature of its perforators. The aim of the authors' study was to assess the reliability of preoperative color Doppler ultrasound imaging for the exploration of perforator location and course of anterolateral thigh perforator flaps. A prospective cohort study involving patients for whom head and neck reconstruction was planned with thin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps was conducted. Each patient underwent a color Doppler ultrasound exploration of the thighs, in the operating room, immediately before surgery. The sonographer was the surgeon who raised the flaps. Perforators were sought according to surgical needs, and the same location protocol was followed for all of the cases, using an orthonormal coordinate system to report the passages of the perforators through the vastus lateralis aponeurosis. Between January of 2016 and January of 2017, 22 thin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps were successfully harvested. Thirty perforators were located and used. The median distance between the preoperative color Doppler ultrasound planning and the final location of the perforators was 5 mm, statistically smaller than a 10-mm threshold (p = 0.002). Color Doppler ultrasound effectively predicted the nature of the perforators in 90 percent of the cases. The median duration for perforator color Doppler ultrasound location was 3 minutes, statistically shorter than 10 minutes (p = 0.0001). Preoperative color Doppler ultrasound seems to be reliable, accurate, and compatible with a quick routine assessment during patient setup for the elevation of thin anterolateral thigh perforator flaps. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, II.

The Ideal Thigh: A Crowdsourcing-Based Assessment of Ideal Thigh Aesthetic and Implications for Gluteal Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: As the popularity of aesthetic gluteoplasty continues to grow, there is renewed focus on defining the ideal buttocks. However, the literature lacks studies characterizing an ideal thigh, despite the impact of thigh contour on overall gluteal aesthetic. OBJECTIVES: The authors performed the first population analysis of the characteristics of perception of attractive thighs, to identify a role for fat grafting of the thigh in gluteoplasty. METHODS: Survey images were digitally modified to create thighs of varying widths and angles relative to fixed buttocks. Thigh-to-buttock ratios and the buttock-thigh junction were studied. Data were stratified and analyzed according to age, gender, and ethnicity of the respondents. Amazon Mechanical Turk was used as a novel crowdsourcing platform for surveying aesthetic preferences. RESULTS: A total of 1034 responses were included of whom 54.4% were male, and 45.6% were female. All age groups and ethnicities were represented. Overall, 43.8% of respondents preferred the widest buttock-thick junction angle on posterior view. There was no clear preference between larger or smaller thigh-to-hip ratios on lateral view. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of the ideal thigh include wider thighs with greater horizontal projection, creating a more natural contour from the augmented buttock. These findings represent a paradigm shift from the traditionally assumed preference for slender thighs. Plastic surgeons should carefully consider thigh anatomy in their gluteal augmentation patients, as simultaneous thigh augmentation may lead to a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. Further research is needed into best practices and techniques to attain ideal thigh proportions.

[Assessment of life quality of for patients after tongue reconstruction with radial forearm free flap, anterolateral thigh perforator flap or submental island flap].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate operation-related factors and quality of life (QOL) for patients after tongue reconstruction with radial forearm free flap (RFFF), anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALT) or submental island flap (SIF). METHODS: Totally 59 patients, diagnosed as tongue carcinoma, received glossectomy and simultaneous reconstruction with free flaps including RFFF, ALT or SIF in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University from October 2004 to October 2014. All patients were followed up for 6 months and completed the University of Washington Quality of Life scale Version 4 questionnaires. The postoperative QOL was compared among the three groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software package. RESULTS: The operation duration of SIF group was significantly shorter than those of RFFF group or ALT group (P<0.05). The ALT group had a longer hospitalization time. There were statistically differences among the 3 groups regarding to the size of reconstructed defects. Action QOL score of the ALT group was significantly lower than those of RFFF group and SIF group. There was no significant difference in the total QOL score including chewing, swallowing, speech and postoperative pain among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: In summary, there may be functional disability for patients after glossectomy and simultaneous reconstruction. The quality of life would be acceptable after tongue reconstruction with RFFF, ALT and SIF.

The natural history of donor hamstrings unit after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective MRI scan assessment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the natural history of the donor hamstrings, compared to the contralateral knee and thigh. METHODS: In 47 patients who had ACL reconstruction (hamstrings technique), bilateral knees and thighs were investigated using MRI scans, up to 2 years post-operatively. RESULTS: Tendon regeneration below the knee joint line of the semitendinosus occurred in 30/47 (64 %) patients and of the gracilis tendon in 17/47 (36 %) patients. Insertion of both tendons at the "pes anserinus", with normal anatomic relations, was observed in 5/47 (11 %) patients. Semitendinosus and gracilis donor muscles were found retracted in 41/47 (87 %) patients. In 25/47 (53 %) patients, there was evidence of fatty infiltration of the semitendinosus muscle. All (47/47) (100 %) patients showed semitendinosus muscle atrophy and 41/47 (87 %) patients showed gracilis muscle atrophy, compared to the contralateral limb. High signal intensity on STIR images was observed in the semitendinosus in 22/47 (46 %) patients and in the gracilis muscle in 30/47 (64 %) patients, on MRI examination performed up to 24 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The "regenerated" hamstrings tendons most commonly do not regenerate fully anatomically, so they should not be considered as a first choice for re-harvesting in revision ACL reconstruction. The "donor hamstrings muscles" are found to be shorter, contracted, thinner and with a long-term abnormal MRI signal, features which are considered to be related to reduced muscle performance (knee flexion and internal rotation) post-operatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Functional assessment: Free thin anterolateral thigh flap versus free radial forearm reconstruction for hemiglossectomy defects.

BACKGROUND: To compare free thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with free radial forearm (FRF) flap in the reconstruction of hemiglossectomy defects, and to introduce our methods and experience in the tongue reconstruction with free thin ALT flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinicopathologic data of 46 tongue carcinoma cases hospitalized from December 2009 to April 2014 were obtained from Nangjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University. All the subjects were evaluated for the articulation and the swallowing function 3 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Among these 46 patients, 12 patients underwent tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy with ALT flap; 34 patients underwent tongue reconstruction with FRF flap. The differences in the incidence of vascular crisis, the speech and the swallowing function between two groups were not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thin ALT flap could be one of the ideal flaps for hemiglossectomy defect reconstruction with its versatility in design, long pedicle with a suitable vessel diameter, and the neglectable donor site morbidity.

Quality-of-Life assessment after medial thighplasty in patients following massive weight loss.

BACKGROUND: The improvement of medial thighplasty techniques has greatly reduced the morbidity of these interventions and participated in their democratization among surgeons and patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of medial thighplasty on quality of life in patients following massive weight loss. METHODS: The quality of life following massive weight loss after diet or bariatric surgery of 21 patients was measured using the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire. Patients who underwent medial thighplasty following a percentage of weight loss greater than 20 percent of the body weight were included. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 49.9 ± 8.7 years. The average pre-medial thighplasty body mass index was 28.4 ± 4.8 kg/m and the average weight loss before surgery was 46 ± 17.1 kg. In our study, medial thighplasty improved the quality of life of patients (mean quality-of-life scores, 1.49 ± 1.3; e.g., self-esteem, physical status, social life, and improved labor conditions of patients). However, the quality of the sex life of the patient was not improved by this operation. No difference was found in quality-of-life results between patients according to the number of months since they had undergone surgery (p = 0.7252). CONCLUSIONS: Medial thighplasty improves the aesthetic and functional outcome of the thigh. The authors report, for the first time, that medial thighplasty improves quality of life of patients with massive weight loss. With the worldwide development of obesity, this study demonstrated that the operation should be widely proposed to patients with massive weight loss to improve quality of life. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Assessment of gait stability, harmony, and symmetry in subjects with lower-limb amputation evaluated by trunk accelerations.

Analysis of upper-body accelerations is a promising and simple technique for quantitatively assessing some general features of gait such as stability, harmony, and symmetry. Despite the growing literature on elderly healthy populations and neurological patients, few studies have used accelerometry to investigate these features in subjects with lower-limb amputation. We enrolled four groups of subjects: subjects with transfemoral amputation who walked with a locked knee prosthesis, subjects with transfemoral amputation who walked with an unlocked knee prosthesis, subjects with transtibial amputation, and age-matched nondisabled subjects. We found statistically significant differences for stability (p < 0.001), harmony (p < 0.001), and symmetry (p < 0.001) of walking, with general trends following the noted order of subjects, but with the lowest laterolateral harmony in subjects with transtibial amputation. This study is the first to investigate upper-body acceleration of subjects with unilateral lower-limb amputation during walking who were evaluated upon dismissal from a rehabilitation hospital; it is also the first study to differentiate the sample in terms of level of amputation and type of prosthesis used.

A comparison between the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap for reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients: assessment of the quality of life.

Our study investigated the quality of life (QoL) of Chinese patients after immediate reconstruction surgery on individuals with head and neck cancer. In addition, we compared the differences between pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) and anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTFF). The University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire, version 4, was used to assess the QoL. Assessments were performed at least 24 months postoperatively. A total of 110 patients' records were obtained. Among them, 86 patients completed a QoL questionnaire (78.2%). No significant differences could be found in age, primary site, T stage, N stage, and postoperative radiotherapy between PMMF and ALTFF groups. However, there were significant differences between both groups in sex, operation time, and complication. A matched analysis was performed to compare the differences in QoL between patients with head and neck cancers reconstructed with PMMF or ALTFF. Patients reconstructed with ALTFF had better shoulder but worse speech functions. There was a significant effect on the QoL of head and neck cancer patients who had undergone either PMMF or ALTFF reconstruction. The result of this study provide useful information for physicians and patients during their discussion of treatment modalities for head and neck cancers.

A novel supermicrosurgery training model: the chicken thigh.

BACKGROUND: Supermicrosurgery is an increasingly important technique in reconstructive surgery. It requires a more technically refined skill set compared with standard microsurgery. All currently available biologic training models involve the use of live rats. A nonliving model would be more accessible and cost-effective for practice. We have developed such a model using chicken thighs purchased from a local grocery store. METHODS: The ischiatic neurovascular bundle was identified in 20 chicken thighs and dissected distally to the end of the specimen. The vessel diameters were measured at several points along the artery, vein, and their respective branches. Vessels with diameters in the 0.3-0.8-mm range were then divided and supermicrosurgical anastomoses were attempted. RESULTS: The branching pattern of the ischiatic artery and vein were anatomically consistent with intermediate and terminal secondary and tertiary branches consistently in the range of 0.3-0.8 mm. In all specimens, at least one 0.3-mm vessel could be identified, though additional intramuscular dissection was sometimes required. It was demonstrated that supermicrosurgical anastomoses could be successfully performed using these branches. CONCLUSIONS: This study introduces a novel, convenient, and economical model for supermicrosurgery utilizing easily obtained chicken thighs. The chicken thighs have an anatomically consistent vascular branching pattern, and vessels of appropriate sizes for training can be easily identified and isolated. Surgeons looking to develop or refine supermicrosurgical skills may find this nonliving, biologic model very useful.

Thigh laxity after massive weight loss: a utilities outcomes assessment.

BACKGROUND: The presence of excess skin after massive weight loss, particularly in the thighs, not only contributes to a negative body image but can also lead to functional deficits in mobility. In the present study, we quantified the health state utility of living with excess skin in the thighs in an attempt to objectively establish the burden on the quality of life in patients living with excess thigh skin laxity. METHOD: Using visual analog scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO), and standard gamble (SG), we compared the utility outcome scores for thigh skin excess with monocular and binocular blindness from a prospective sample of medical students and the general population. Utility scores were compared using paired t test. Linear regression was performed using age, race, and education as independent predictors of each of the utility scores. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four prospective participants were enrolled during a 6-month period, and 112 participants met our inclusion criteria. The utility outcome scores for thigh lift (VAS, TTO, and SG, 0.77 ± 0.15, 0.90 ± 0.11, and 0.89 ± 0.14, respectively) were statistically different from binocular blindness (VAS, TTO, and SG, 0.37 ± 0.18, 0.70 ± 0.23, and 0.70 ± 0.26; P < 0.001), but other than VAS (0.67 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), similar to monocular blindness (TTO and SG, 0.89 ± 0.13 and 0.81 ± 0.14, respectively; P > 0.05). SG (0.89 ± 0.14 vs 0.97 ± 0.02, P = 0.003) and TTO (0.89 ± 0.11 vs 0.95 ± 0.03, P = 0.038) were different between general population and medical students, respectively, corresponding to 3.96 versus 1.80 potential years willing to be traded (P < 0.05). Additionally, SG was higher in whites versus nonwhites who were willing to take a potential 8% chance of mortality compared to 15%, respectively (P = 0.001), to achieve "perfect" health. CONCLUSIONS: We have objectified the utility of living with thigh deformity after massive weight loss. Our sample population if faced with the condition was willing to sacrifice a potential 3.6 years of life and potentially undergo a procedure with 11% chance of mortality to address excess thigh laxity.

Tibialis anterior or posterior allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction versus hamstring autograft reconstruction: an economic analysis in a hospital-based outpatient setting.

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the direct costs, reimbursement rates, gross contribution margins, and operating room and recovery room times for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions with the use of soft-tissue allografts and autografts. We aimed to determine the financial impact of using allograft tissue for ACL reconstruction in a hospital-based outpatient setting. METHODS: Financial data from the facility billing database and operating room (OR) reports from the electronic medical record were queried to identify all patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction during a 12-month period. A subset of patients who had isolated ACL reconstruction with or without simple meniscectomy or chondral debridement was identified as the study group. We compared 46 ACL reconstructions using tibialis anterior or posterior allografts and 50 ACL reconstructions using hamstring autografts. Facility direct cost, reimbursement rates, gross contribution margin, OR times, and other variables were compared. RESULTS: The facility mean direct cost for ACL reconstruction using allografts was $4,587, with a mean OR time of 92 minutes. The mean direct cost and OR time for ACL reconstruction using autografts were $3,849 and 125 minutes, respectively. Allograft ACL reconstructions were $738 more costly, and reimbursement was also higher. Allograft ACL reconstruction produced a 41.5% margin with a gross contribution margin of $3,248, whereas autografts had a reimbursement rate with a 45% margin with a gross contribution margin of $3,156. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the cost of allograft tissue used in ACL reconstruction was not offset by the savings realized from shorter OR and recovery room times. However, in a hospital-based outpatient setting, reimbursement covered the cost of the allograft, offsetting the additional expense. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study for economic analysis.

Validation of a task-specific scoring system for a microvascular surgery simulation model.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Simulation models can help develop procedural skills outside the clinical setting while also providing a means for evaluation of trainees. Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) have been developed for several procedures. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the construct validity of an OSATS for microvascular anastomosis performed on a simulation model using chicken thigh vessels. STUDY DESIGN: Validation study. METHODS: An expert panel constructed a task-specific checklist for an OSATS for microvascular anastomosis. Twenty surgical staff and trainees performed a microvascular anastomosis of a chicken ischiatic artery. Training level and microsurgical experience were assessed by questionnaire. The performances were recorded and scored by two experts using the task-specific and global scales of the OSATS. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of training and microvascular experience for both the task-specific score and global rating scale score (P < .005). Interrater reliability was 0.7. Experience level demonstrated a logarithmic relationship with task time. CONCLUSIONS: The microvascular OSATS applied to the chicken thigh simulator model differentiated between levels of microvascular experience. It demonstrated construct validity and reliability for the assessment of procedural competence using a cost-effective and easily accessible model.

Colour Doppler assessment of the perforators of anterolateral thigh flap and its usefulness in preoperative planning.

UNLABELLED: The role of the anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) in reconstructive microsurgery grows systematically from mid-eighties of the twenty century until now. Significant anatomic variability of the perforators supplying the ALTF was described in literature. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was ultrasonographic assessment of the ALTF perforators in terms of localization, symmetry, diameter and flow velocity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed using ultrasound machine with 12 MHz linear transducer. Both thighs of 30 healthy volunteers (15 men and 15 women) aged from 18 to 60 (mean 37.9) were examined. The line from anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to lateral border of the patella was traced, and divided into 10 equal segments. Point where perforator pierces the deep fascia was marked and its diameter was measured and recorded. Maximal flow velocity was measured and recorded. Symmetry of perforator location was confirmed as positive if difference in position of two perforators on both thighs was less than 1.5 cm in diameter. RESULTS: Total number of 119 perforators supplying skin of 60 thighs was found (mean 1.98 perforator per thigh). No perforators were found in 4 thighs (6.6%). Perforators were most abundant in segments from 5 to 7 (74.6%). Perforators with largest diameters and maximal flow velocity reaching 30-47 cm/s were localized in segments 5 and 6. Perforators in segments 4 and 5 were more abundant in men (50.9%) than in women (36.7%). Septal perforators make up to 26.9% of the total. Eighty percent of the septal perforators were localized in segments 5 and 6. Perforator distribution was elicited in the middle of the ASIS--patella line. In the range of ±1.5 cm from the midpoint of the line 33.6% of the perforators were found. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Most of perforators with large diameter and big flow velocity are located in segments 5 and 6. 2. Perforators are more common in men in segments 4 and 5 than in women. 3. No perforators found in 4 thighs suggests that preoperative perforator mapping should become a preoperative routine, which can spare intraoperative dilemmas.