[Clinical application of the fascia lata flap]

The clinical application of the musculo-cutaneous flap of musculus tensor fascia lata has been limited because it includes muscle and it is very thick. To correct this disadvantage, the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery, which is the supplying artery, is dissected up to its entrance into the tensor muscle of the fascia lata, then the upper, middle and lower branches were identified, and the upper and middle branches are ligated, followed by resection of the muscle, resulting in a fascia lata flap supplied by the lower branch only. The flap contains the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. It is a good flap to repair a defect of skin and to restore sensory function at the same time. It has been used in 15 cases with good effect.