In the development of flap surgery, the groin flap was one of the earliest flaps used in repair of soft tissue defect. However, due to its unstable anatomical position and many variations, small vessels and great difficulty in vascular anastomosis, the application of this flap reduced gradually. With the development of microsurgical techniques and the increasing demand of patients for aesthetics in donor site, the groin flap has been still widely used in the repair of soft tissue defect in limb maxillofacial region, and perineal partsin in recent 10 years, due to its advantages of concealed donor site and large area of flap. This article review the historical development of the groin flap, summarize the clinical application of perforator flap, and special types of groin flaps in repair of soft tissue defect in extremities. Hoping to further promote the application and development of groin flap in soft tissue repair.