Popliteal fossa reconstruction with medial genicular artery flap in a low resource setting: A report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Popliteal fossa defects are common arising from several causes. Options of reconstruction around the knee could be limited by the cause of defect or interventions. Medial genicular artery flap is known in the books but not in popular use despite its obvious advantages of superior vascularity, adequate size, suppleness, and hidden donor site. AIM: To promote the use of this flap due to its advantages and ease of use especially in resource poor settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report two patients from a low resource setting aged 23 and 20 years respectively. The first case was managed for avulsion wound of the popliteal fossa while the second had post burn knee contracture release. The resultant large popliteal fossa defects on both patients were seen on clinical examination. Both patients were offered popliteal fossa reconstruction for the popliteal fossa defects using medial genicular artery flap with good outcome. CONCLUSION: The medial genicular artery flap is a veritable option of popliteal fossa reconstruction especially for defects that are located contiguous to the flap and when other regional flap options are not available. Flap survival is excellent and donor site is hidden.