A novel free functional muscle transfer model for animal experiments: rat triceps brachii muscle flap.

OBJECTIVE: Although free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) has been used in clinical practice for many years, there is no experimental model for FFMT. We aimed to describe a novel experimental muscle flap model and define the triceps brachii free muscle flap as an FFMT model in rats. METHODS: A total of 10 Wistar-Albino rats were used. The rats were divided into two groups with five rats in each. Animals in Group 1 were used for the identification of the triceps brachii muscle flap, whereas rats in Group 2 were used for the FFMT model. After 3 months, all the flaps were examined electrophysiologically, and biopsy samples were obtained from the muscles and nerves. RESULTS: The presence of reinnervation was confirmed electrophysiologically in all of the flaps. Histological examination findings were compatible with neural healing, which was seen in all of the flaps. Myelinization was found significantly more in Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The rat triceps brachii muscle flap can be used as a pedicled flap or FFMT model. By describing a novel muscle flap in the upper extremity, we hope that it will contribute to the experimental microsurgical training, providing a new donor area.