Latissimus dorsi muscle free flaps.

We have used free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps in nine patients to cover a variety of defects. The muscle has been covered with unexpanded meshed split-skin. The method is a reliable means of providing skin cover with a minimal donor site morbidity and less flap bulk than in conventional myocutaneous flaps. Our one "failure" was not related to the fact that the muscle was taken without its overlying skin, it was due to avulsion of the vascular anastomosis.