The intramuscular neurovascular anatomy of the latissimus dorsi muscle: the basis for splitting the flap.
This study identifies and describes a consistent proximal branching of the neurovascular supply to the latissimus dorsi muscle. This anatomical feature makes possible splitting the muscle and overlying cutaneous territory into independent branched musculocutaneous units. A parallel study of neurovascular anatomy in dogs suggests that this animal is an appropriate model for testing and developing clinical applications of the split latissimus dorsi flap.
D000717:Anatomy, Comparative; D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001415:Back / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D013524:Surgical Flaps