Effect of Degree of Arterial Inflow on a Functioning Free Muscle Transplantation in a Rat Gracilis Model

Background Various surgical effects have previously been studied in an attempt to improve the functional outcome of the functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT). However, the effect of the recipient arterial inflow on the FFMT has remained uninvestigated. This study was to investigate whether or not high flow versus low flow will affect the functional outcome of FFMT. Methods Rat's left gracilis FFMT model was devised and the nutrient arterial inflow was modified. Twenty-four Lewis rats were divided evenly into relatively high (0.071 mL/min) and relatively low (0.031 mL/min) blood flow groups (p < 0.001). The unoperated right sides served as the controls. Cases resulting in poor function were additionally grouped as functional failure group for comparison. Regular swimming exercise was implemented at 1 month postoperatively for 3 months. Gracilis muscle functions were then evaluated. Results Compared groups were: control (n = 13), low blood flow (n = 10), high blood flow (n = 8), and functional failure (n = 5). The control group showed superior functional results over the experimental groups (p < 0.0001). In the experimental group, successful group showed superior over the poor function group (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the high- and low-flow groups. Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate the effect of arterial inflow on the FFMT. The rate of blood flow (relatively high vs. low) has little effect on the functional outcome of transferred muscle. Survival of FFMT is the major concern while performing FFMT surgery. Arterial inflow while choosing the recipient artery is not the factor for consideration.