The Efficacy of Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Patients with Lower Limb Distal Extensive Injuries.

Abstract

Objectives: to elucidate our experience in the use of latissmus dorsi free flap for the surgical reconstruction of distal lower limb complex injuries, regarding the surgical techniques and the patients' outcome. Background: from the variable types of free flaps, the free transfer Latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap is considered a workhorse in lower limb reconstruction. Methods: A total of 16 patients with complex lower limb defects and deformities required surgical reconstruction were enrolled in this study. They underwent free LD flap reconstruction and followed up for 6 months. Results: The total number of patient was 16 patients; they had a mean age of 24.63 ± 11.9, with males constituting 75% of patients SD ( 11.94 ) .Most patients had RTA as a mode of injury (87.5%). Four patients (25%) presented to the hospital and underwent debridement after 6 months or more from the injury. At the end of follow up period, all the 16 patients had their constructed limbs preserved with no failure cases. Overall, three cases (18.8%) required reoperation (P = 0.013). Conclusion: The present study elucidates that the free LD flap had an excellent outcome in reconstruction of the lower limb distal extensive injuries, with 100% salvage rate, and low complication and reoperation rate. Other larger studies are recommended.