Split Lateral Iliac Crest Chimera Flap: Utility of the Ascending Branch of the Lateral Femoral Circumflex Vessels

Abstract

The split lateral iliac crest chimera flap employs distinct branches of the lateral femoral circumflex system to supply the split lateral iliac crest and soft tissue of the thigh, each isolated on separate vascular leashes connected to a common source vessel. Through inclusion of a vascularized bone component, the flap extends the versatility of the lateral femoral circumflex flap for complex head and neck reconstruction requiring both hard-tissue and soft-tissue replacement.