From March 1991 to October 1993, 6 the latissimus dorsi M. was transferred to reconstruct the flexor of the elbow following the injury of brachial plexus in 12 cases (8 males and 4 females). The average age was 31-year-old (6to 45-year-old). The patients were followed up for six months to two years. All of musculocutaneous flaps were survived. The contour of the upper arm was satisfactory. In 8 cases, the muscle strength was more than grade 4 and the active motion of the elbow was 135 degrees in flexion and 10 degrees in extension. The elbow could lift the load of l0kg. In 2 cases, the muscle strength was grade 4 and the active movement was 25 degrees in flexion and 25 degrees in extension. On 90 degrees flexion, the elbow could lift the load of 3kg. In 2 cases, the muscle strength was grade 3 and the active movement of elbow was 100 degrees in flexion 25 degrees in extension. Following the irreversible injury of the brachial plexus, the atrophy of the muscles was obvious. After the transfer of musculocutaneous flap, the circumference of the arm was increased while the tenseness of the skin was decreased. This faciliated the movement of the transferred muscle, improved the appearance of the upper limb and was convenient to observe the blood supply of the flap. When the brachial plexus was injuried at the root level, the latissimus dorsi M. was atrophied, after transfer of the nerve to the muscle, the function of the muscle recovered, then the tranferred muscle could be transferred to reconstruct the flexor of the elbow.

Citation： Yang Guojing,Cheng Desong,Cai Peiqing,et al.. THE LATISSIMUS DORSI MUSCULOCUTANEOUS FLAP FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF FLEXOR OF ELBOW. Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, 1995, 9(4): 209-211. doi: Copy