ABSTRACT
The atrophy, reinnervation, and metabolism of free muscle flaps were studied in a
rat model, by syngeneic and orthotopic transplantation of abdominal wall muscle flaps
with neurovascular anastomoses. The three parameters were examined at different time
periods, using electrophysiologic and 31-P-spec-troscopic measurements. Results show
that a certain degree of atrophy (one-fifth of the original volume) must be expected,
even when new axons grow throughout the nerve. This is explained by the early reduction
of flap metabolism, leading to a loss of parenchyma until neuromuscular conduction
is restored. As the maximum duration of ischemia is 2 hr, muscular damage due to reduced
metabolism was not produced.
