title: [Anatomical study and clinical applications of the tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the causes of blood circulation problems in 3 of 6 cases of pedicled tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap transferring.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anatomical study was performed on 16 cadavers (32 sides) after red emulsion injection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On 22 sides of 12 cadavers, the nutrient arteries lie in the muscle; on 2 sides of 2 cadavers, intramuscular nutrient arteries coexist with the big branches anterior to the muscle; on 4 sides of 3 cadavers, intramuscular nutrient arteries coexist with the big branches in the loose connective tissue deep to the muscle; on 4 sides of 3 cadavers, the nutrient arteries locate in the subcutaneous layer. According to the anatomical observations, much attention were paid to protect the vessels deep, superficial and anterior to the muscle during surgery, which resulted in successful clinical applications in 8 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The supplying arteries of the tensor fascia lata myocutaneous flap may exit not only intramuscularly, but also deep, superficial and anterior to the muscle. Special attention should be paid to them during operation.
authors.affiliation: Zhe Li Mu League Hospital, Inter Mongolia 028000, PR China.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries; D002648:Child; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010502:Perineum / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps