Further experience with the tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap.

We have found the tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap to be exceedingly reliable with a consistent vascular pedicle; it can be elevated easily and rapidly in its subfascial plane. It is a useful flap in the paraplegic patient for colsure of ischial, trochanteric, and sacral pressure sores, and may also be used as a free flap with little donor morbidity. At present, we recommend this as the flap of choice for closure of trochanteric pressure sores. Additionally, it appears to have further applications in defects of the groin, perineum, abdominal wall, and lower chest wall. Eleven tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flaps, utilized for soft tissue coverage for varying defects in 9 patients, are discussed.