A new experimental model of a true myocutaneous flap in the rat: the gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap.

Rat myocutaneous flap models are relatively rare. The authors describe the development of a new myocutaneous flap model using the gluteus maximus muscle in rats. A description of the anatomy of the gluteus maximus is included, along with a method of producing skin-island gluteus maximus myocutaneous flaps that can be pedicled or free. This flap model may serve as a useful tool in laboratory studies of the physiologic or pathologic changes in myocutaneous flaps, and may help to narrow the gap between experimental and clinical applications.