The vascular communication between the heads of the biceps femoris
muscle has been established after 25 cadaveric dissections. Perfusions
of dye through the long or the short head consistently showed 1-2
anastomotic bundles. Outflow of dye opposite to the site of the perfused
head was remarkable in most cases. Intramuscular dissections disclosed
broad and well structured vascular networks in all short heads, but this
was not true for all long heads. Our observations suggest that the
anastomotic vessels alone might support the short head which, when
released from its profunda femoris vessels, is adequate to cover lateral
knee defects. Depending on the level of the anastomotic vessels, the
proximal or the distal part of the short head should be used. A pedicled
flap may be used as well, whereas transsection of the biceps tendon
offers additional mobility
