Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap transplantation to salvage below-elbow amputation in an emergency operation: a case report.

We used a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LD m-c flap) to cover a large skin defect at the stump of a forearm in an emergency operation. The patient we discuss is a 52-year-old man. Amputation at the distal one third of the left forearm occurred after catching his hand and wrist in a machine. The amputated left hand was severely damaged and there were wide skin defects. The function of the elbow joint was well preserved. Both the radius and ulna were cut 7 cm distal from the elbow joint. A 20 x 8 cm square of LD m-c flap was transplanted, to the stump of the forearm. The flap survived without incident. The range of motion of the elbow joint was from 20 degrees to 85 degrees. The prosthesis was well fitted to the stump, and the patient returned to his workshop 9 months after injury.