Latissimus dorsus flap for reconstruction of severe leg trauma / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To report the clinical outcomes of latissimus dorsus flap used to reconstruct severe trauma on lower leg.Methods From May 2011 to September 2016,12 patients were treated for severe trauma on lower leg at Orthopaedic Department,General Hospital of Rocket Force.They were 10 men and 2 women,aged from 22 to 54 years (average,37.5 years).According to the Gustilo classification,their open fractures were of type ⅢA in 2 cases and of type ⅢB in 10.The areas of soft tissue defect ranged from 15 cm × 8 cm to 35 cm × 12 cm.Their wounds were covered with latissimus dorsus flaps;the dorsal expansion of the ankle joint was reconstructed after their bone infection was controlled.Two flaps were anastomosed directly to the anterior tibial vessels and one flap to the femoral vessels.The other 9 flaps were anatomosed to the lateral circumflex femoral artery,bridging with the greater saphenous vein (average length32 cm).Ten flaps were neuroanatomosed with the motor branch of common peroneal nerve and 2 with the motor branch of vastus lateralis.The therapeutic outcomes were evaluated in terms of repair of soft tissue defects,control of infection and range of active dorsal flexion of the ankle at neutral position.Results The 12 patients were followed up for an average of 3.5 years (from 1 to 6 years).All the 12 flaps survived and infections were eradicated.The fractures were healed with muscle strength of grade 3 to grade 4.Their ankle extension was reconstructed.Their limbs were preserved with satisfactory limb function.The bone exposures of 5 cm × 3 cm and 6 cm × 3 cm in area after debridement respectively in 2 cases of Gustilo type ⅢA were covered with latissimus dorsus flaps.The range of active dorsal flexion of the ankle at neutral position increased from preoperative 10.5° to postoperative 19.1° on average.Conclusion In treatment of severe trauma on lower leg,latissimus dorsus flaps can be used to repair skin wound,control infection and reconstruct ankle function simultaneously,with advantages of reduced operative procedures,a high rate of limb preservation,and better function recovery.