title: Closure of large spina bifida defects: a simple technique based on anatomical details.
abstract: Much has been written about closure of large spina bifida defects. There is an increased demand to close these defects irrespective of the final outcome of the patient. Plastic surgeons may become involved in the closure of large defects. Perforator vessels of the back passing through the latissimus fascia can maintain viability of triangular island flaps. Therefore, such flaps can be used to close the large midline defects of spina bifida. This article reviews the literature and presents a simple technique based on anatomical properties of the region surrounding the defect.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, Western Australia.
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008722:Methods; D016137:Spina Bifida Cystica / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods