Application of latissimus dorsi flap and thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in different wounds

Objective To explore the application and choice of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in different wound repair. Methods From March 2012 to February 2018, 8 cases of different wounds were repaired with island latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap pedicled with dorsal thoracic artery, free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, or thoracodorsal artery perforator flap combined with scapular flap. The patients includes 4 cases of trauma, 2 cases of tumor and 2 cases of osteomyelitis. Among them, 5 cases received pedicled grafting, 2 cases had anastomotic vascular free grafting combined with antibiotic bone cement chain bead, 1 case had thoracodorsal artery perforator flap combined with scapular flap. Results All 9 flaps of 8 patients survived. The size of the flaps ranged from 22.0 cm×7.5 cm to 28.0 cm×21.0 cm. All the donor and recipient areas healed well. After 2 months to 2 years follow up, all flaps have good blood supply, and the limbs′ function was normal. The appearance of flaps were satisfactory, with fully treated osteomyelitis, and no recurrence of the tumor was observed. Conclusions According to wound characteristics, selective application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, pedicled or free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is effective for the repair of muscle, skin and soft tissue defects, as well as osteomyelitis, after tumor resection. Key words: Surgical flap; Latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap; Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap; External injury; Osteomyelitis; Tumor