Segmentally innervated latissimus dorsi muscle. Microsurgical transfer for facial reanimation.
In spite of its reliable and long neurovascular pedicle, the latissimus dorsi muscle is generally considered unsuitable for facial reanimation, largely due to its size and bulk. We describe the anatomic dissections and clinical experience using a small segmentally innervated portion of the latissimus dorsi muscle to restore facial animation.
D000328:Adult; D001415:Back; D005149:Facial Expression; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000637:transplantation*; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000648:ultrastructure