Techniques for covering soft tissu defects resulting from plantar ulcers in leprosy: Part V - use of the flap in the inguinal region and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap

ABSTRACT

The area of distribution of the superficial cicunflex iliac, superficial epigastric and superficial external pudental arteries is large and flaps based on them can meet the requirement of different recipient sites. We have transplanted free flaps based on the superficial epigastric artery for repairing plantar soft tissue defects in six leprosy patients. During the follow up examination 58 to 118 months later there has been no recurrence of ulceration in any of these cases. The latissimus dorsi muscle, is mainly nourished by the thoracadorsal artery and the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a large sized, composite structure with abundant blood provision and strong anti infectious property. The latissimus dorsi flap can be used as a muscle graft. because ofits constant vascular position, wide outer diameter of the vessels and long pedicle. It can therefore be utilized for repairing soft tissue defect or replacement of paralyzed muscle. We have used the latissimus dorsi musculotacutaneous free flap for repairing large skin and soft tissue defects resulting from plantar ulceration in three leprosy patients. During the follow up period, one patient who had complete drop foot and had refused corrective surgery had recurrence of the ulcer in the 12 post operative month. No ulcers had recurred in the other two cases during the follow up at 48 and 114 months