Saeed Ashraf Cheema.
Use of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in reconstruction of extensive soft tissue defects of upper limb.
Esculapio J Services Inst Med Sci Jan ;3(3):26-9.

Objective: To evaluate the role of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in providing soft tissue cover for extensive defects of upper limb at shoulder, mid arm amputation stump, arm, elbow joint, forearm and wrist level. Patients and Methods: An observational study carried out at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Services Hospital, Lahore from January 2004 to June 2007. Patients presenting with extensive soft tissue defects of various areas of upper limb managed with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap were included in this study. In all the cases classical pedicled myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap was used. Results: Study was carried out on twelve cases. It included nine males and three females. Flap provided soft tissue cover to defects at arm and elbow in three cases. Two cases needed soft tissue cover at arm, forearm region, elbow joint area and shoulder. In one case it covered the mid arm amputation stump. All flaps survived. Conclusion: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap may be considered as a workable option in extensive soft tissue defects of various areas of upper limb.

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