Latissimus dorsi muscle flap for lower extremity reconstruction in children.
Complete loss of free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps to the leg is frequently reported. The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcome of latissimus dorsi muscle flaps to the lower extremity in children.


METHODS
This retrospective analysis includes 11 children treated with a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap after severe trauma to the lower leg and foot.


RESULTS
Fourteen free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps were performed in 11 children with a mean age of 13 ± 4 years. The injuries were caused by traffic accidents, lawnmower accidents, and a crush trauma. Thirteen (92.8%) flaps needed surgical revision. Three complete flap losses and 1 partial flap loss were registered.


CONCLUSIONS
Free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps seem to be a useful technique for lower extremity salvage after severe injury, but there is a relevant flap failure risk in children.
Namdar
Thomas
T
Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Burn Unit, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany. thomas.namdar@uk-sh.de
Stollwerck
Peter L
PL
Stang
Felix H
FH
Lange
Thomas
T
Mailänder
Peter
P
Siemers
Frank
F
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation