Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for repairing severe soft tissue defect of the elbow / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effect of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for repairing severe soft tissue defect of the elbow.Methods Seventeen patients with severe soft tissue defect of the elbow were repaired by latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.Ten patients were performed transfer of skin flap for functional reconstruction,9 patients reconstructed elbow flexion,and 1 patient reconstructed elbow extension.Seven patients' tissue defect were repaired by cover type musculocutaneous flap,and the areas of these flaps ranged from 6 cm × 10 cm-12 cm × 27 cm.Results All the musculocutaneous flaps kept alive.After an average postoperative follow-up for 12-40(22.0 ± 9.6) months,the color and luster of the flaps were satisfying.There were no scar contracture of the flap and no bulkiness of the elbow.Ten patients performed transfer of skin flap for functional reconstruction,and the range of motion was 100°-140° of flexion and-20°-0° of extension.Muscle power was M3-M5.Hand function was near normal.Conclusion Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is an ideal surgical method to repair the severe soft tissue defect of the elbow.