OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effect of lateral superior genicular composite tissue flap for tissue defect.

METHODSThe axis line of flap is the lateral thigh vertical midline. The cutaneous branch is inserted 4 cm near the femoral lateral epicondylus. The anterior border is the elongation line along patellar lateral border. The posterior margin is the hinder margin of femoral biceps. The lower border is the horizontal line along the upper line of patella. The composite flaps were used in 18 cases with soft tissue defects in extremities, 11 cases with clacaneus tenden defects and 16 cases with bony nonunion. Results From Mar. 2002 to Sept. 2013, 45 cases were treated with the composite tissue flaps. The flaps size ranged from 6 cm x 3 cm to 17cm x 9 cm. All the flaps survived completely. Blood supply crisis happened in 2 cases, which was released by reanastomosis. The patients were followed up for 1 - 2. 5 years with satisfactory aesthetic and functional results. All the bone defect and nonunion were healed. Good healing was also achieved in donor sites. 8 months after operation, knee joint function is evaluated as good by hospital special surgery knee score (HSS).

CONCLUSIONLateral superior genicular compostie tissue flap can be used to reconstruct soft tissue defect, bone defect and tenden calcaneus defect in one stage.