Tensor fasciae latae flap: alternative donor as a functioning muscle transplantation.

The functioning tensor fasciae late muscle was used for a patient with both a complete defect of the deltoid muscle and a defect of overlying skin. The configuration of the tensor fasciae latae including the length of the muscle belly as well as the muscle fiber arrangement was similar to that of the deltoid. In addition, the spatial relationship between the muscle, donor vessels, and motor nerve fulfilled the requirements for the recipient site of deltoid reconstruction. The transferred muscle successfully replaced the function of the deltoid and provided sufficient strength for elevation of the arm. Simultaneous skin coverage was also satisfactory. The case report here clearly indicates that the tensor fasciae latae muscle is a promising candidate for functioning muscle transplantation, and can also be applied for other disorders. However, several points such as limited motor nerve length should be considered when tensor fasciae latae is used as a functioning muscle.