Free latissimus dorsi muscle flap with split-thickness skin graft cover: a report of 16 cases.

Use of the latissimus dorsi free muscle flap was split-thickness skin graft for coverage of large defects has advantages over the musculocutaneous flap. The flap is less bulky, and contouring at the recipient site is facilitated. The donor site is less conspicuous. This method has been useful in treating large scalp and lower-extremity wounds even when there has been chronic infection.