OBJECTIVETo discuss clinical results of the lateral superior genicular artery perforator iliotibial band flap for the treatment of scar contracture of popliteal fossa.

METHODSForm January 1999 to December 2011, 11 patients with scar contraction of popliteal fossa were treated with the lateral superior genicular artery perforator iliotibial band flap. Among the patients, 7 patients were male and 4 patients were female,ranging in age from 24 to 58 years old,with an average of 33 years old. The operation time ranged from 3 months to 1 year after trauma. Eight patients had injuries in the right side and 3 patients had the injuries in the left. Five patients had the injuries caused by traffic,3 patients had the injuries caused by hot compression and other 3 patients suffered from burns. The flap area ranged from 7.0 cm x 4.0 cm to 20.0 cm x 8.0 cm.

RESULTSAll the flaps survived. Three patients had epidermis necrosis. After 5 months to 2 years follow-up period,the knee function recovered,the flap shape was favorable and the skin firmness was moderated.

CONCLUSIONThe lateral superior genicular artery perforator iliotibial band flap is a practical, simple and an ideal donor in the reconstruction of popliteal fossa scar contracture.