[Latissimus dorsi transfer to restore thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
To study the methods and points for attention of latissimus dorsi muscle flap transplantation to correct the thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome.


METHODS
From 1995 to 2003, 10 patients were diagnosed of Poland's syndrome with absence of pectoris major muscle in all patients. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was exposed and transferred through a vertical lateral thoracic cut and a short cut beneath the axillary fold. Reconstruction of the anterior axillary wall is one of the major goals to be achieved in this operation.


RESULTS
All of the latissimus dorsi muscle flaps survived. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved after 1-2 years of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The latissimus dorsi muscle flap has a stable and reliable blood supply. It is an ideal muscle flap to restore the thoracic malformation of Poland's syndrome.
Ma
Ji-guang
JG
Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100041, China. majiguang678@sohu.com
Yang
Xin
X
Xue
Zhi-qiang
ZQ
Du
Ping
P
He
Wei
W
Sun
Guang-ci
GC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D011045:Poland Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome