The blood supply of the osteocutaneous free fibular graft

Abstract

The use of an osteocutaneous free fibular graft as a single-stage reconstructive procedure for composite tissue loss is increasingly common. Detailed anatomical study in cadavers of the blood supply to the graft demonstrates cutaneous arteries arising from the peroneal artery and then passing along the posterior surface of the lateral intermuscular septum. These vessels pierce the crural fascia and then ramify to supply the skin. Knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the skin overlying the fibula is essential to the success of the graft.