Caudal Sartorius Muscle Flap in the Dog

An anatomic study was performed on canine cadavers to define the blood supply to the caudal sartorius muscle. The vascular supply to this muscle was segmental with the saphenous artery and vein providing a distal vascular pedicle. Anastomotic channels existed between distal and proximal capillary beds within the muscle belly. This anatomic information was used to determine the feasibility of performing caudal sartorius muscle flaps in dogs. The caudal sartorius muscle was transposed to the medial tibial region in four dogs. The muscle flap was based on a singular vascular pedicle of the saphenous artery and vein. The muscle transpositions were all successful on day 14 as evidenced by gross appearance and results of histologic examination. Grossly, the muscles were well adhered to the recipient sites and were covered by connective tissue. Histologically, the specimens were characterized by viable skeletal muscle fibers, large amounts of granulation tissue, varying degrees of inflammatory response, and small foci of myocyte necrosis (2 cases). Seroma formation was a consistent postoperative complication.