Locating the perforators of the trapezius muscle with doppler ultrasound

Abstract

Surgery that incorporates perforator flaps has developed rapidly in recent years. However, this type of surgery is hindered by anatomical variations in the location of the perforating arteries. These anatomical variations require preoperative imaging to plan the surgery properly. Through a Doppler ultrasound study of living subjects, the authors aim to map the perforators of the trapezius muscle. Doppler color ultrasound was carried out in 22 healthy volunteers over the integuments covering the trapezius muscle. Using bone landmarks (spinous process line, inferior angle and spine of the scapula), all the identified perforators were inventoried based on their location, dimensions and direction.Fourteen women and eight men were included in the study. Their mean age was 25.8 years and their mean height was 1.74 meters. The average number of perforators found on each side of the spinous process line was 10.64. The mean diameter of these perforators was 0.82 millimeters.Preoperative Doppler ultrasound is useful for surgeons using trapezius perforator flaps, as it can accurately specify the location, diameter, trajectory of a perforator, and in a more general manner, its reliability.