Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for elbow flexion

Elbow flexion restoration using pedicled latissimus dorsi transfer in seven cases

“…Rare cases of musculocutaneous nerve injuries were reported [10,14]. Arm replantation is the second most frequent indication: 10 cases were reported in the literature since 1982 [10,[15][16][17]. Finally the most infrequent indications of transfer are destructions of the anterior arm muscles -after ballistic or work-related trauma [10], or after electric burns [18] -or agenesis of flexor muscles [19].…”

Flap Reconstruction of the Elbow and Forearm

“…With dimensions averaging 25cm × 35cm (46), this flap is a versatile, reliable, and technically straightforward option for pedicle coverage of the elbow and proximal forearm (47) or free flap coverage of massive forearm defects (48). The flap may also be used as a functional muscle transfer to restore elbow flexion or extension (49, 50). An alternative flap should be chosen in paraplegic or crutch-dependent patients as muscle harvest would lead to functional disability (3).…”

The Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Reconstruction of a Paralysed Deltoid

“…The idea of using the latissimus dorsi was based on the experience with this muscle for other reconstructive goals (5,6). In 1982 LAI et al described coverage of the shoulder with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (7).…”