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 l ateral circumflex femoral artery and the third perforating artery of t he deep femoral artery. This consistent vascular anatomy allows raisin g a distal skin island based on both arteries on the lateral thigh, an d this flap can be advanced into a trochanteric defect according to th e V-Y technique, Based on anatomic and clinical study, a new design ha s been developed of the tensor fasciae latae fasciocutaneous flap,whic h is supplied by two pedicles. Seven island V-Y tensor fasciae latae f asciocutaneous flaps have been used for the coverage of trochanteric p ressure sores in six patients. It is believed that the island V-Y tens or fasciae latae fasciocutaneous flap could overcome the traditional d rawbacks of the conventional tensor fasciae latae flap and its modific ations, and this is an ideal flap for covering trochanteric pressure s ores without any donor site deformity and morbidity, which greatly imp roves the aesthetic result.