In a review of 20 gracilis flaps in 18 patients, variations in flap viability have been found. In response to these findings, a detailed anatomical study was performed in 15 fresh cadavers. Selective dye injections evaluated the limits of the skin paddle depending on the dominant pedicle. Most of the musculocutaneous perforators were in the upper two-thirds of the gracilis. In one selected application the main blood supply to the skin was recognised to be proximal. Despite the variations in viability, the flap proved to be a versatile and totally adequate tool.