Island V-Y tensor fasciae latae fasciocutaneous flap for coverage of trochanteric pressure sores.

The distal fasciocutaneous portion of the lateral thigh is supplied by the direct cutaneous branch of the lateral descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the third perforating artery of the deep femoral artery. This consistent vascular anatomy allows raising a distal skin island based on both arteries on the lateral thigh, and this flap can be advanced into a trochanteric defect according to the V-Y technique. Based on anatomic and clinical study, a new design has been developed of the tensor fasciae latae fasciocutaneous flap, which is supplied by two pedicles. Seven island V-Y tensor fasciae latae fasciocutaneous flaps have been used for the coverage of trochanteric pressure sores in six patients. It is believed that the island V-Y tensor fasciae latae fasciocutaneous flap could overcome the traditional drawbacks of the conventional tensor fasciae latae flap and its modifications, and this is an ideal flap for covering trochanteric pressure sores without any donor site deformity and morbidity, which greatly improves the aesthetic result.