Caudal vertebra rat free flap in the groin: A preliminary study of a new combined osteocutaneous flap model

Introduction: Murins were used for microsurgical training but in the literature, only a few papers reported about murin combination of flaps and fewer about osteocutaneous ones. We proposed a rat model of a combined osteocutaneous flap in which the pedicle axis is intentionally lengthened.

Technical note: From June to August 2020, one corpse and eight living Albinos Wistar rats were dissected. The 4th vertebra was harvested with its vessels and transferred to the groin with end-to-side anastomosis to the femoral vessels. Surviving rats were dissected to explore the combined osteocutaneous flap. Only two rats survived until second dissection. Transfixiant arterial and veinous stitches were observed in failed procedures. Caudal pedicles and epigastric pedicles were permeable in surviving animal with bleeding of the vertebra body surface.

Discussion: Perspective of simultaneous vertebral free flap and bone graft could build up a potential rat model of comparison with a prelaminar flap.