Salvage of a below-elbow amputation stump with a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap: A case report

Abstract No single procedure has been universally accepted to deal with the difficult problem of covering post-traumatic elbow defects. 1–4 Primary closure, split-thickness skin grafting, local flaps, and distant flaps have both advantages and disadvantages. Free tissue transfer offers the distinct advantage of covering a large defect without lengthy immobilization. We do not know of a prior report describing the use of such a flap to salvage a below-elbow amputation in order to maintain good shoulder and elbow function and to allow use of a below-elbow prosthesis.