[Restoration of elbow joint and its function by transposition of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap following serious high-voltage injury in upper limb].

Abstract

Objective: This is to introduce a method for repairing and restoring the elbow joints and their function of the patients suffering from serious high-voltage electric burns in upper extremity.

Methods: We designed the transposition of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (MCF) to repair the wounds of elbow, as well as restore the joint's flexion function by the motor power of the muscle. This procedure salvaged the elbow joints, which would have to be amputated before.

Results: 8 cases, 10 limbs were involved. All flaps survived completely and 6 of them had primary healing while the other 4 flaps healed after dressing changing. The elbow joints and their functions were satisfactorily restored in 5 limbs and the functions were also regained through further elbow joint release procedures in 2 limbs. The other 3 limbs (2 cases) lost contact with us and so the results were not clear.

Conclusion: This method has evident advantages and satisfactory results.