title: Reconstruction of a large upper arm defect with muscle sparing latissimus dorsi.
abstract: Reconstruction of large soft tissue defects in the upper arm represents a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The latissimus dorsi flap is widely used and preferred for this latter type of reconstruction due to its reliability and versatility, although sacrificing the entire muscle can lead to higher incidences of postoperative seroma and functional disability. The recent introduction of the perforator-based flap concept has led to an evolution in upper extremity reconstruction by significantly reducing donor-site morbidity and simultaneously ensuring optimal soft tissues coverage. We report a case of a large soft tissue defect of the posterolateral part of the upper arm, consequent to a sarcoma resection, in which a muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi technique was used to obtain total soft tissue coverage. A 2-year follow-up showed a satisfactory functional result and no evidence of recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Ospedale San Gerardo Monza, Monza, Italy.
authors.forename: Pierfrancesco
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cadenelli
authors.affiliation: Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Urbino, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bordoni
authors.affiliation: Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ornelli
authors.affiliation: Sarcoma Service, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Lombardia, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Radaelli
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000601:surgery; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D064171:Superficial Back Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome