Reconstruction of upper extremity large soft-tissue defects using pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps--technique illustration and clinical outcomes

Abstract

Reconstruction of large soft-tissue defects of an upper extremity is very challenging due to the unavailability of expendable local muscle. Appropriate soft-tissue restoration is an essential component of such reconstruction treatment protocols, and often requires a vascularised flap to protect the exposed neurovascular and musculotendinous structures. The latissimus dorsi muscle makes an ideal pedicled flap because of its long neurovascular pedicle, large size, ease of mobilisation and expendability. Moreover, the flap provides well-vascularised tissue from a region far from the area of injury. This paper describes the technique for pedicle latissimus dorsi flap transfer and also reports the authors' experience of its application for the acute treatment of massive upper-extremity soft-tissue injuries. 20 patients with large soft-tissue defects over the upper extremity caused by trauma and infection underwent aggressive debridements and immediate soft-tissue reconstruction using a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Successful reconstructions were achieved and primary healing of wounds occurred in all patients, with minor complications. The donor site morbidity was minimal. At a mean of 3.6 years' follow-up (range: 1.5-6 years), all functional results were good and the patients were satisfied with their outcomes.