Transplantation of lobulated free latissimus dorsi flap for repairing irregular soft tissue defect of shank

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of lobulated free latissimus dorsi flap in repairing severe shank trauma with irregular soft tissue defect. Methods Eight patients with soft tissue defect of shank due to trauma were treated from February, 2013 to November, 2018, which were 5 males and 3 females. All wounds were irregular. The size of soft tissue defect ranged from 11.0 cm×15.0 cm to 15.0 cm×23.0 cm, with different degrees exposure of deep tissue such as bone and tendon. Five cases out of 8 were infected wound, 3 cases of which had internal fixation bracket exposed. Five infected wounds were firstly treated with negative pressure after debridement, then repaired with flap transplantation until the infection were completely controlled. Other wounds were repaired directly after debridement. The free lobulated latissimus dorsi flap was designed and applied to repair the irregular soft tissue defect of shank. The lobulated latissimus dorsi flap with the outer branch of the thoracodorsal artery ranged from 14.0 cm×7.0 cm to 24.0 cm×8.5 cm. The lobulated latissimus dorsi flap with the inner branch of the thoracodorsal artery ranged from 10.0 cm×5.0 cm to 15.0 cm×7.0 cm. When cutting the flap, the branch vessels should be protected to insure the continuity of the thoracodorsal artery. After spliced the 2 lobulated flaps, the thoracodorsal arteriovenous was anastomosed with the recipient region arteriovenous. All the donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were followed-up by outpatient and telephone regularly. Results Seven flaps survived well. Only 1 case of partial necrosis appeared at the distal edge of the lobulated flap and healed after wound care. All patients were followed-up from 3 to 30 months, averaged of 14 months. The texture of flap was flexible and the appearance was well. Only a linear scar was left in the donor site. The shoulder joint retained good mobility. Conclusion The lobulated latissimus dorsi flap has rich blood supply, concealed donor area and high survival rate after transplantation, which can flexibly repair the irregular soft tissue defect of the shank, and effectively prettify the appearance of the recipient area. This strategy has little effect on the appearance and function of the donor area, and worthy of promoting in clinic. Key words: Lobulated, latissimus dorsi flap; Transplantation; Shank; Microsurgical technique