Elbow defect coverage with a one-staged, tunneled latissimus dorsi transposition flap. Annals of plastic surgery. [Ann Plast Surg] Journal article | | Title | Elbow defect coverage with a one-staged, tunneled latissimus dorsi transposition flap. | | Author(s) | Chang LD, Goldberg NH, Chang B, Spence R | | Institution | Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore. | | Source | Ann Plast Surg 1994 May; 32(5):496-502. | | MeSH | Adult
Aged
Elbow
Female
Fracture Fixation, Internal
Fractures, Open
Graft Rejection
Humans
Male
Microsurgery
Patient Care Team
Postoperative Complications
Reoperation
Surgical Flaps
Surgical Wound Infection
Suture Techniques
| | Abstract | Upper extremity reconstruction is very challenging due to the unavailability of expendable local muscles. A review of the literature reveals that the latissimus dorsi muscle has been used for functional restoration of elbow extension and flexion as well as soft-tissue coverage of upper arm and shoulder defects. In addition, the latissimus dorsi muscle has been used for forearm reconstruction. Although we have been unable to find any reports of the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle for pure coverage of complex elbow wounds, we have successfully used the latissimus dorsi transposition flap to cover complex elbow defects in a one-staged procedure for patients. In 3 of 4 patients, the latissimus dorsi transposition flap was the first choice. In the other patient, the latissimus dorsi flap was successfully used as an alternative choice for coverage of an open, comminuted elbow fracture after a failed rectus abdominis free tissue transfer. A technique is described for coverage of complex elbow defects by transferring a latissimus dorsi muscle on its vascular pedicle with or without an overlying skin island. This procedure is safe, one-staged, and results in minimal donor morbidity. The latissimus dorsi transposition flap provides reliable coverage of complex elbow defects and should be considered the flap of choice for coverage of the elbow. | | Language | eng | | Pub Type(s) | Case Reports
Journal Article
| | PubMed ID | 8060073 |
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