Origin of Mathes and Nahai Classification
The Mathes and Nahai Classification system was first described in 1981 as a way of describing the blood supply to muscle and musculocutaneous flaps. It was first described by Mathes and Nahai in a 1981 PRS publication.
![Mathes and Nahai Muscle Flap Classification](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/content/images/2022/06/mathes-and-nahai-classification.png)
There are some important points for context:
- There is no commonly used alternative classification for muscle flaps
- It does not relate to local flaps, such as rotation or rhomboid flaps, only muscle.
- It is different to Mathe and Nahai's fasciocutaneous flap classification.
- Blood supply to muscles and musculocutaneous flaps can be read here.
![Mathes and Nahai published their original publication for muscle flaps in 1981 in PRS Journal](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/content/images/2022/06/Mathes-and-Nahai-Classification-Original-Publication.png)
Mathes and Nahai Classification
The Mathes and Nahai classification for muscle flaps can be visualised in the image below.
![The Mathes and Nahai Muscle Flap Classification can be visualised base on the number of major and minor pedicles](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/content/images/2022/06/3.png)
Key points on the Mathes and Nahai classification system are:
- Type 1: 1 major pedicle (gastrocnemius)
- Type 2: 1 major and 1 minor pedicle (Gracilis Flap)
- Type 3: 2 major pedicles (rectus abdominis)
- Type 4: Minor segmental pedicles (sartorius)
- Type 5: 1 major and minor segmental pedicles (latissimus dorsi flap)
These points are illustrated in the diagram below.
![The number of major and minor pedicles for each muscle is used in the Mathes and Nahai Muscle Flap Classification](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/content/images/2022/06/4.png)
Mathes and Nahai Mnemonic
Mnemonic for Mathes and Nahai Classification is as follows: Ten Graceful Glutes Sat on Latrines.
- Type I: TFL Flap
- Type II: Gracilis Flap
- Type III: Gluteus maximus Flap, VRAM Flap
- Type IV: Sartorius Flap
- Type V: Lattisimus dorsi flap
Another mnemonic for Muscles flaps is: "Get Good Remembering Supply Lines" · -
- Type 1: Gastrocnemius
- Type 2: Gracilis
- Type 3: Rectus Abdominis
- Type 4: Sartorius
- Type 5: Latissumus dorsi
Flashcards
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