[Clinical application of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with a few muscle in repairing soft tissue defect of lower limbs].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effect of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap with a few muscle in repairing the soft tissue defect of lower limbs.

METHODS

From June 2000 to December 2006, 8 patients with soft tissue defects of lower limbs were repaired with the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps. There were 6 males and 2 females, aged from 25-69 years. The locations were heel in 3 cases, dorsum pedis in 2 cases, anticnemion in 2 cases, and the right leg (squamous carcinoma) in 1 case. The area of soft defect ranged from 10 cm x 7 cm - 18 cm x 12 cm. The flap in size ranged from 15 cm x 8 cm to 22 cm x 15 cm.

RESULTS

Of all the flaps, 6 survived, 1 had vascular necrosis 2 hours after operation and survived by skin grafts, 1 had delayed healing because of infection. The wound and, donor site achieved primary healing. The follow-up for 3 to 12 months revealed that all the flaps had a good appearance. The function of donor site was as normal.

CONCLUSION

It is an ideal method to repair the soft tissue defect of lower limbs with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.