Clinical application of Latissimus dorsi muscle flap to repair and reconstruct dysfunction and complex soft tissue defects of upper extremities
Abulaiti·Abula
REN Peng
Yilihamujiang·Wusiman
MaimaiTing·Saiyiti
Aihemaitijiang·Yusufu
Abstract：Objective To investigate the clinical effect of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of upper limb muscle function and repairing of upper limb soft tissue defect. Methods From Jul.2008 to Dec.2014,latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was used to repair 34 cases of upper limb muscle function and soft tissue defect.There were 25 males and 9 females,aged from 17 to 65 years (mean,40.5years).Ten cases had elbow flexion dysfunction,7 cases had elbow flexion and finger flexion dysfunction,5 cases had elbow extensor dysfunction,and 12 cases had elbow skin defect and bone exposure.Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap size ranged from 11cm× 4cm-35cm×10cm.Most of the donor sites were treated with primary suture,and 2 cases were treated with partial thickness skin graft. Results All 34 patients were followed up for a period of 8 months to 7 years (average,21 months).Two cases of vascular crisis after operation were improved after symptomatic treatment;skin flap necrosis developed in 2 cases;2 cases had latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap necrosis completely;2 cases developed infection and were cured by debridement and dressing change.The other 18 cases had no obvious complication. Conclusion The latissimus dorsi flap has abundant blood supply and strong anti-infection ability.Muscle flap can fill dead space.The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is an ideal flap for repairing upper limb muscle function,soft tissue defects and bone exposure with infection.
Keywords：soft tissue defectsupper extremitymuscle flaplatissimus dorsireconstruction
Publication Date：2017-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 381-385 )