# A Cadaveric Study of the Anatomical Characteristics of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator

## TL;DR

This study examines the anatomical characteristics of a specific artery in a South Indian population to improve surgical planning for a type of flap used in reconstructive surgery.

## Contribution

The study provides detailed anatomical data on superficial circumflex iliac artery perforators specific to a South Indian population.

## Key findings

- The mean diameter of the superficial circumflex iliac artery was 0.99 mm.
- The medial and lateral perforators were located relative to bony landmarks like the pubic tubercle and anterior superior iliac spine.
- Average pedicle lengths of perforators were 3.03 cm (medial) and 4.31 cm (lateral).

## Abstract

Background
 The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIP flap) is an evolution of the conventional free groin flap. Even though the anatomical basis for SCIP flap is well established in general, the same is not described in a South Indian population.

Objectives
 The objectives of our study were to determine the anatomical variations of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforators (SCIA perforators) and describe them in relation to the nearby bony landmarks like anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and pubic tubercle (PT).

Materials and Methods
 This observational study was done between October 2020 and December 2021. Cadaveric dissection was done and the required anatomic data were collected.

Results
 The mean diameter of SCIA was 0.99 mm and the mean pedicle length was 2.97 cm. The average diameters of the medial and lateral perforators were 0.63 and 0.55 mm, respectively. The pedicle lengths of the medial and lateral perforators were 3.03 and 4.31 cm, respectively. The medial perforator was 5.63 cm lateral and 1.66 cm superior to the PT. It was 5.37 cm medial and 5.99 cm inferior to the ASIS. The lateral perforator was 7.97 cm lateral and 2.73 cm superior to the PT. It was 2.86 cm medial and 4.11 cm inferior to the ASIS.

Conclusion
 Finding the exact location of the medial and the lateral perforators with respect to permanent bony landmarks and having an idea about their average pedicle length are useful for preoperative planning of the SCIP flap.