BACKGROUND: Within the framework of mammary reconstruction, since 2012 when Allen first described it, the profunda femoral artery perforator flap (PAP) takes an important place in the current therapeutic options.
OBJECTIVE: This anatomical study aims to analyze the anatomy and morphologic consideration of the PAP : position of the perforating artery; length of the pedicle, area and volume of vascularization.
METHODS: Sixteen flaps were harvested on fresh subjects at the University Department of Anatomy of Rockfeller, Lyon. The first direct cutaneous branch from the deep femoral vessels was located between or through the adductor magnus and gracilis muscles. Pedicle location, diameter, length and position regard to the great saphenous vein were recorded. A flap based on this vessel was designed. Height, width, and surface of the skin paddle were recorded. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography was used to analyze the area and volume of cutaneous territory supplied by the studied perforator.
RESULTS: On the 16 analyzed flaps, localization of the perforating artery is on average to 8.2cm of the pubic tuber and 3.7cm behind a line connecting the pubic tuber to the internal femoral condyle. The length of the pedicle is on average of 11.7cm and the average area of skin perfused was 94,68cm2. The way of this perforating arterty is primarily through the adductor magnus. On the radiological images of the 8 flaps, the analysis shows an average surface of 111,25cm2 and a mean volume of 325.3cm3.
CONCLUSIONS: PAP is an interesting therapeutic choice within the framework of a mammary reconstruction. Its surface and its volume associated with a discrete scar make a valid indication within the framework of this surgery.

BACKGROUND: The surgical management of pressure ulcers in the paraplegic or quadriplegic population is marked by the high risk of recurrence in the long-term. In the current era of perforator flaps, newer reconstructive options are available for the management of pressure ulcers, decreasing the need to use the classically described muscular or musculocutaneous locoregional flaps. The coverage of ischial sores described in this article by a pedicled flap based on a deep femoral artery perforator, appears to be an effective first-line reconstructive option for the management of limited size pressure ulcers.
METHODS: A number of fifteen paraplegic or quadriplegic patients having at least one ischial bed sore with underlying osteomyelitis were included in this series. The approximate location of the deep femoral artery perforator was initially identified using the \"The Atlas of the perforator arteries of the skin, the trunk and limbs\", which was confirmed, with the use of a Doppler device. A fasciocutaneous transposition flap was elevated, with the pivot point based on the cutaneous bridge centered on the perforator, and then transposed to cover the area of tissue loss. The donor site was closed primarily.
RESULTS: A total of fifteen patients were operated from November 2015 to November 2016. The series comprised of 16 first presentations of a stage 4 pressure ulcers associated with underlying osteomyelitis that were subsequently reconstructed by the pedicled deep femoral artery perforator flap. The healing rate and functional results were both satisfactory.
CONCLUSIONS: Fasciocutaneous flap reliable by deep femoral artery perforator appears to have a promising role in the treatment of ischial pressure sores. It is an attractive option to spare the use of musculocutaneous flaps in the area. Thus this flap could be used as a first-line option to cover ischial pressure ulcers of limited size.