Musculocutaneous flap or muscle flap and skin graft?

Six factors must be considered in choosing between muscle only and musculocutaneous flaps for reconstruction of defects: size, bulk, donor deformity, durability, pliability, and sensibility. The choice depends on the location and characteristics of the specific defect. Advantages and disadvantages of each flap in different circumstances are discussed, with emphasis on restoring form and function to the defect while preserving them at the donor site.