The subcutaneous mastectomy cripple: surgical rehabilitation with the latissimus dorsi flap.

Despite the advances in reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy, we have seen a group of patients who have developed disabling complications of their surgery. These patients have become "subcutaneous mastectomy cripples." In general, these patients have two primary reconstructive problems: (1) inadequate coverage of their silicone implant, and (2) loss of breast skin from infection and ischemic necrosis of skin flaps. The latissimus dorsi flap easily corrects these two defects. We have presented our experience with the "subcutaneous mastectomy cripple" and described the use of latissimus dorsi muscle and musculocutaneous flaps in their management.