The iliac bone or osteocutaneous transplant pedicled to the deep circumflex iliac artery. I. Anatomical and technical considerations.

The technique of microsurgical vessel anastomosis has brought about many new ideas in reconstructive surgery. Many bone sites have been examined for their suitability as donor areas. For reconstructive purposes in the maxillo-facial region, the iliac bone has proven to be the best because of its shape and bulk. A large part of this bone is nourished by the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA). Branches of this vessel surround the iliac crest, perforate the flat abdominal muscles, and supply blood to the overlying skin. The anatomical properties of this region present the possibility of raising a large osteomyocutaneous flap.