The use of latissimus dorsi muscle flap in the aesthetical reconstruction of heat-press injury of the hand

We present a successful case of aesthetic reconstruction utilizing free latissimus dorsi muscle flap transfer. A large quantity of skin of the dorsum of hand and finger was lost. The dorsum of the index, long and ring fingers was severely damaged, such that extensor tendons were necrotic and all digital bones and the second metatarsal bone were exposed with partial necrosis. In addition, the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP) were also exposed. To cover exposed bones and the tendons of dorsum of the hand, a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap was transferred, and then meshed skin covered the muscle, resulting in a mitten-like condition. After cutting the grafted muscle and skin to divide fingers, the grafted muscle was shaved to create the contour of fingers and dorsum of the hand, and then sheet grafting was performed. Six years after the operation, although the movement of fingers was restricted, an acceptable contour of the hand was obtained. The patient is satisfied with the result and does not desire any further surgery. In conclusion, the use of latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a method of choice not only to cover damaged hand but also to give contour in the aesthetic reconstruction of a hand presenting after heat-press injury.     

Use of a cross-leg free muscle flap to reconstruct an extensive burn wound involving a lower extremity

A young patient sustained a high-voltage burn with extensive destruction of the soft tissue in his left lower extremity. Occlusion of the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, loss of toe extensors and the superficial and deep peroneal nerves were noted, besides the exposure of the lower end of the tibia and metatarsal bones. In the absence of proper recipient vessels, a cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap with overlying skin and depending on the vessels of the contralateral foot was used successfully for reconstruction of the defect. The pedicle was divided 3 weeks after microvascular anastomosis and the flap survived completely. This technique permits transfer of free flaps to compromised wounds without available recipient vessels, and the latissimus dorsi muscle flap, with its characteristics of large size and copious vascularity, could be split to cover exposed bones in different areas simultaneously.     

多种背阔肌瓣游离移植修复下肢缺损

目的 寻找应用背阔肌瓣游离移植修复下肢缺损的方法.方法 1996年2月-2008年2月,笔者单位应用游离背阔肌瓣修复下肢皮肤及组织缺损患者42例,其中膝部4例,小腿22例,足、踝部15例,膝下至足背严重撕脱1例.清创后采用背阔肌肌皮瓣、背阔肌肌瓣植皮、保留肌袖的背阔肌穿支皮瓣、分叶背阔肌组织瓣修复创面.组织瓣切取范围18 cm×8 cm～40 cm × 18cm.结果 除3例患者术后发生血管危象,2例供区植皮和1例肌瓣植皮部分坏死外,其余患者创面均一次性愈合.随访3～24个月,6例患者皮瓣外形臃肿,影响穿鞋,再次行皮瓣修薄术;3例肌瓣植皮区有轻度瘢痕挛缩.结论 个性化设计不同形式的背阔肌瓣,可满足下肢皮肤软组织缺损的修复.     

Composite scapular flap for reconstruction of complex humeral tissue loss: a case report

We report a case of complex reconstruction after traumatic loss of bone and muscle of the upper third of the humerus. A composite flap using the lateral border of the scapula and the pediculated latissimus dorsi muscle was used. The latissimus dorsi flap covered the bony reconstruction and enabled elbow flexion. Outcome was very satisfactory at three years follow-up. The lateral border of the scapula is rarely used for bony reconstruction of the humerus. Free composite flaps with the lateral portion of the scapula and the latissimus dorsi muscle have been used to reconstruct tissue loss of the lower limb. We were unable to find another published case where this composite pediculated flap was used for the upper limb.     

Extremity salvage with a free musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap and free tendon transfer after resection of a large congenital fibro sarcoma in a 15-week-old infant. A case report

A case of complex microsurgical reconstruction of the dorsum of the foot, including tendon transfer following tumor resection, in a 15-week-old male infant is presented. After birth, a 5.5 x 4 cm large tumor was observed on the dorsum of the right foot. Biopsy showed a congenital malignant fibro sarcoma. After initial chemotherapy a radical excision of the tumor at the age of 14 weeks was followed. To cover the defect a musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap was taken, the cutaneous part being large enough to cover the defect. Extensor tendons were reconstructed with free tendon transplants. Amputation is usually indicated in these cases. To the best of our knowledge, microsurgical reconstruction in infants at this age with congenital malignant tumors has not yet been reported. The case shows that Plastic surgery can play an important role in pediatric oncology and should routinely be integrated into the multi-modal treatment concepts.     

Versatility of the pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap in soft tissue reconstruction

For the last decades, the latissimus dorsi skin-muscle flap has contributed to the efficient reconstruction of the loss of skin cover (especially in breast surgery) and in long-distance tissue defects. Unfortunately, the nonuse of such an important muscle as the latissimus dorsi for the patient, as well as the resulting thickness of the flap after reconstruction, has turned it into a second choice flap. However, this flap is still indicated in the reconstruction of areas which need a great amount of cutaneous and muscular tissue. The appearance of the perforator flaps and, specifically, thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap, has meant a radical change in relation to lower morbidity of the donor site, thus highly ranking the use of these flaps in the reconstruction for similar defects. The aim of this publication is to present our experience with the pedicled TDAP flap in a series of 17 different cases. Of those, there were 14 cases of mammary reconstruction after sparing surgery, 2 cases of axillary reconstruction following severe recurrent hidradenitis, and a case of extensive substance loss in a patient's upper limb following a severe crush injury.     

Reconstruction of crush injuries of the foot dorsum: is the latissimus dorsi muscle flap a reliable choice?

Thirteen patients who underwent 13 latissimus dorsi free flaps for subacute foot dorsum defects were identified over a 4-year period. The average age of the patients was 30.5 years (range: 8 to 52 years). There were eight male, five female patients. The average follow-up was 23 months (range: 2 to 47 months). The soft-tissue defect resulted from motor vehicle accident in all cases. All of the patients presented with soft-tissue loss combined with extensor tendon and/or bone injury. The wounds were treated with serial debridement and free latissimus dorsi or latissimus dorsi-serratus anterior muscle and split-thickness skin graft coverage in all cases. The mean size of the flaps was 19 x 11 cm (range: 15 to 24 cm x 9 to 16 cm). Twelve of 13 flaps survived. Complications included infection (1 case), seroma in the donor region (2 cases), total flap failure (1 case), partial flap necrosis (2 cases), and wound dehiscence (2 cases).     

The compound thoracodorsal perforator flap in the treatment of combined soft-tissue defects of sole and dorsum of the foot.

Nine cases of massive soft-tissue loss of the foot were reconstructed by means of a compound (chimera) thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap, which reconstituted the different functional units (dorsum, heel, instep, weight-bearing surface). In each case, the flap consisted of a skin component isolated on its perforator in combination with a portion of latissimus dorsi muscle and/or serratus fascia, all pedicled on the thoracodorsal vessels. The pedicle length allows up to 4-6 cm of independent mobility of the skin island. The mobility of the various flap components allows the various functional units of the foot to be reconstructed without relying on multiple flaps or anastomoses. The pedicle length was sufficient to be able to perform the anastomosis out of the zone of injury. In some cases the skin island was harvested along with intercostal nerve branches, this gave us the potential to develop a sensate flap. The indications and advantages of this reconstructive method are discussed.     

背阔肌皮瓣在上肢严重组织缺损的临床应用

目的报道应用背阔肌皮瓣修复严重上肢组织缺损的临床效果。方法对2002年3月-2011年9月收治的28例严重上肢组织缺损,同时创面伴有骨质、肌腱外露或骨缺损潜腔形成、骨髓炎者采用背阔肌皮瓣进行修复。急诊修复17例,其中2例修复组织缺损的同时行屈肘功能重建,1例行伸肘功能重建;5例游离移植背阔肌皮瓣填塞死腔治疗前臂骨髓炎。皮瓣供区创面行植皮或直接缝合。结果术后28例皮瓣成活良好,供区植皮成活良好。术后随访6～30个月,皮瓣外形、创面闭合及患肢功能改善满意。其中1例屈肘功能重建术后肌力恢复至M3＋,另1例术后肌力恢复至M3．1例伸肘功能重建术后肌力恢复至M3＋;1例术后出现静脉危象,探查修复后皮瓣坏死约1／4,经扩创植皮后创面闭合：2例于术后1年因皮瓣臃肿行皮瓣修整术。结论背阔肌皮瓣切取方便．对严重上肢组织缺损的创面闭合、骨髓炎的治疗及患肢功能重建疗效满意。     

Transaxillary latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer. Limitations and refinements in 56 cases

The transaxillary latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is suitable whenever a large volume of tissue is required for head and neck reconstruction. Fifty-six transaxillary latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap reconstructions were performed in 55 patients. There were two cases of complete flap necrosis and eight cases of partial flap necrosis. The latissimus dorsi vascular pedicle is separate from the irradiated field. The pedicled latissimus dorsi flap provides coverage of the orbitocranium, including the supraorbital region and central portion of the upper face. In the event that the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap does not reach far enough cephalad, the nutrient vessels may be separated from the axillary artery and anastomosed to vessels in the neck. Combined defects of the esophagus, mandibulofacial region, and neck may be reconstructed with a single large latissimus dorsi flap. Hairless skin particularly suitable for oral cavity reconstruction is usually available. Aesthetic and functional deficits are minimal after latissimus dorsi reconstruction. Disadvantages of this technique include repositioning of the patient, increased blood loss, and longer operating time. Permanent brachial plexus injury may occur. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap should not be used when defects can be reconstructed by simpler methods.     

The use of fabricated chimeric flap for reconstruction of extensive foot defects

Repair of extensive foot defects requires both adequate tissues for wound coverage and special tissues for functional reconstruction. To maximize its function reconstruction, fabricated chimeric flaps consisting of multiple separate flaps were designed to reconstruct such defects. Five patients suffered extensive foot defects with sizes ranging from 23 × 12 cm to 38 × 14 cm² in multiple regions including heel, forefoot, dorsum, ankle, anterior leg, and even toes. Causes included crushing injuries, avulsion injuries, and scar excision. Most areas of the defects except heel were first covered by latissimus dorsi muscle flap or anterolateral thigh flap and their pedicles were anastomosed with recipient vessels. Then free medial plantar flaps were transferred for heel reconstruction and their pedicles were further attached to either side branches of the main source vessel or to its distal continuation. All chimeric flaps survived uneventfully and all patients were able to walk in normal footwear during the 1.5‐ to 4‐years follow‐up. None of the flaps developed ulcer and flap breakdown. The assessment by Maryland Foot Score showed that four of the five patients gained a “good” recovery and one patient showed moderate improvement of foot functions. Appearances of reconstructed heels were near‐normal. The results indicate that fabricated chimeric flap has good design flexibility and may provide an option for functional reconstruction of extensive foot defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:303–309, 2016.     

A sensory innervated latlsslmus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap: Case report

The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap has been shown to be a useful tool in reconstructive surgery. Sensory innervation of the vascular territory of the latissimus dorsi is presented. This anatomic principle is applied in a free transfer of a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for reconstruction of the volar area of a foot following a severe frostbite injury.     

Free radial forearm osteocutaneous perforator flap for reconstruction of total nasal defects

A case in which a radial forearm osteocutaneous perforator flap was successfully transferred for one-stage reconstruction of total nasal loss is described. This thin flap consists of vascularized radial bone, superficial adiposal tissue, and no deep fascia. It is nourished by a single perforator of the radial artery and a cutaneous vein. The advantages of this flap are minimal donor-site morbidity, easy reconstruction for preservation of the radial arterial system, and no need for longer dissection through the radial artery. The donor defect can be repaired with a flow-through flap, such as an anterolateral thigh flap or a latissimus dorsi perforator flap.     

Scapular free flap for repair of massive lower facial composite defects

The scapular osteocutaneous free flap provides excellent tissue for reconstruction of massive lower facial defects. Five cases of full-thickness cheek and lip defects associated with mandibular loss were successfully repaired with sandwiched osteocutaneous scapular flaps plus a parascapular or latissimus dorsi flap. In two instances the osteocutaneous scapular flap was harvested along with a parascapular skin paddle. The other three patients had latissimus dorsi myocutaneous units taken with the scapular osteocutaneous flap from the same subscapular pedicle.     

Free flap reconstruction for diabetic foot limb salvage

Background: Although free flap is gaining popularity for the reconstruction of diabetic foot ulcers, it is unclear whether free flap reconstruction increases the chances of postoperative independent ambulation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between free flap success and postoperative ambulation.

Methods: This study reviewed 23 cases of free flap reconstruction for diabetic foot ulcers between January 2007 and March 2014. Free rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, and anterolateral thigh flaps were used in ten, eight, and five patients, respectively. A comparison was made between free flap success and postoperative independent ambulation using Fisher’s exact test.

Results: Two patients developed congestive heart failure with fatal consequences within 14 days postoperatively, resulting in an in-hospital mortality rate of 8.7%. Five patients lost their flaps (21.7%). Of the 16 patients who had flap success, 12 achieved independent ambulation. Five patients with flap loss did not achieve independent ambulation, except one patient who underwent secondary flap reconstruction using a distally based sural flap. Fisher’s exact test revealed that independent ambulation was associated with free flap success (p?=?0.047).

Conclusion: The present study indicates that free flap reconstruction may increase the possibility of independent ambulation for patients with extensive tissue defects due to diabetic ulcers. Intermediate limb salvage rates and independent ambulation rates were favourable in patients with successful reconstruction. The use of foot orthoses and a team approach with pedorthists were effective to prevent recurrence.     

Physiological studies using laser Doppler flowmetry to compare blood flow to the zones of the free TRAM flap

The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous island flap was once the standard for breast reconstruction. With the increased use of tissue expanders and the development of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for autologous tissue breast reconstruction, use of the latissimus dorsi has decreased. To reassess the role of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in breast reconstruction, a retrospective review was performed to evaluate women who had skin-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap and permanent implants. The postoperative aesthetic results and donor site morbidity, including contour deformity and scarring, were examined. Satisfactory results were obtained in 17 of 18 patients. Complications were noted in 5 patients, and all were minor. Using the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and a permanent breast prosthesis for immediate reconstruction is successful because it provides sufficient muscular coverage of the implant. In addition, it provides a good aesthetic result using a single-stage procedure. Illustrative cases are presented.     

Simultaneous reconstruction of both feet with a vascularized latissimus dorsi free flap

Simultaneous reconstruction of both feet with a single vascularized latissimus dorsi free flap is reported. The authors describe the repair of extensive dorsal and plantar defects, as well as of heel lesions secondary to osteitis of the calcanei. The latissimus dorsi free flap serves well in combining the classic cross-leg procedure with microsurgical techniques.     

Progression of idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis after breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap: a case report

STUDY DESIGN: A report of a patient in whom progressive symptomatic thoracolumbar scoliosis developed after breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. OBJECTIVES: To present the first reported case of progressive symptomatic scoliosis after breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and to suggest that latissimus flap harvest may be contraindicated in patients with preexisting scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap harvest incorporated into several surgical operations including breast reconstruction has been presented as a relatively benign procedure without significant biomechanical consequence. Nevertheless, various anatomic and animal studies have suggested an important role for balanced latissimus function in terms of proper spinal alignment. Long-term follow-up evaluation of patients after latissimus flap harvest is insufficient and fails to address the specific issue of spinal deformity. METHODS: Postoperative radiographs demonstrated significant progression of the patient's thoracolumbar scoliosis as compared with radiographs taken before her latissimus harvest. Curve progression accompanied by development of severe and disabling back pain were considered indications for surgical curve correction and stabilization. RESULTS: At the time of 1-year follow-up assessment after posterolateral spinal fusion and instrumentation, the patient had experienced complete relief from her back pain and satisfactory spinal fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Although a cause and effect relation cannot be established, this case study suggests that latissimus harvest may have a destabilizing effect on the thoracolumbar spine in the long term, especially in patients with preexisting scoliosis. Alternative procedures should be considered in these patients.     

Free flap reconstruction in massive upper extremity burns

In massive burns, early excision and a free flap reconstruction is, in some cases, limb saving. From October 1979 to August 1993, eleven patients with massive burn injury in the upper extremity were treated using a free flap reconstruction. Eight cases were acute or subacute and three were late reconstructions. The following free flaps were used: rectus femoris microneurovascular musculocutaneous flap (2), latissimus dorsi flap (4), rectus abdominis flap (3), gluteal thigh flap (1), lateral arm flap (1), and serratus flap (1). The gluteal thigh flap was lost and it was later replaced by a rectus abdominis flap. In three cases successful reanastomosis was performed. Functional late reconstructions were performed in nine patients. In all eleven patients the limb was saved and functional recovery was satisfactory. We recommend that a free musculocutaneous or muscle flap is used, proximal to the wrist, if after careful excision of nonviable tissue, tendons, bone joint or major vessels are exposed. The rectus femoris musculocutaneous flap is a useful solution to restore extensor musculature of the forearm after extensive injury.     

Autologous breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap

The gold standard technique for autologous breast reconstruction is the transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM). Recently, techniques of harvesting a latissimus dorsi flap have been modified in such a way as to increase the flap and allow breast reconstruction without an associated implant. The aim of this study was to evaluate aesthetic results obtained with this method and to assess early morbidity related to the changes in the technique. Between January 1994 and August 1998, 43 patients underwent breast reconstruction with an autologous latissimus dorsi flap. Their postoperative outcome was compared to that of 30 patients who underwent reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap associated with an implant. These 43 patients were asked to come back for aesthetic evaluation by a physician and to answer a questionnaire about cosmetic results. Mean duration of follow-up was 18.6 months (range 8 to 60). Mean size of the breast reconstructed with this technique was 340 g (up to 835 g). Dorsal seroma was the most frequent complication (72%), followed by delayed dorsal healing (19%). The frequency of seroma was significantly increased when compared to a classic latissimus dorsi flap (P = 0.003), but frequency of skin slough was not. The aesthetic result was considered satisfactory in 93% of the cases by the patient and 77% of the cases by the physician. In conclusion, the extended latissimus dorsi flap allows reconstruction of small and medium size breasts, with a good aesthetic result. This flap appears to be an interesting alternative to the TRAM flap for autologous reconstruction in selected patients.