Flow-through divided latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for large extremity defects.

Abstract

Reconstructing large defects of the extremities is a challenging problem for reconstructive microsurgeons. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LDMCF) is widely used for this purpose, but a skin graft is needed when the defect is wider than available flaps. We used flow-through divided LDMCFs to reconstruct large defects of the extremities in 5 consecutive patients from 2010 through 2012. The semicircular skin island was split longitudinally, and 1 skin island was advanced over the other to close a round or oval defect without a skin graft. Postoperatively, all flaps survived completely, and the mean Enneking score was 90.0%. The flow-through divided LDMCF is a reliable and versatile option for reconstructing large defects of the extremities.