Reconstruction of the Triceps Brachii Using the Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Elbow flexion is essential for the functional use of the hand. The reconstructive procedure may also change depending on the location of the sarcoma. The nonresected muscle may alter the function of the elbow. If the proximal part of the triceps muscle remains intact, it is considered functional. Functional muscle transfer is not required in such cases. A 50-year-old patient presented with a soft-tissue defect after a wide resection of a leiomyosarcoma affecting the left elbow. The wide resection resulted in the resection of the distal third of the triceps brachii, exposing the olecranon. We performed reconstruction using a pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. The flap was transferred to the elbow through a subcutaneous tunnel. Ten months after surgery, the elbow function improved. In our patient, the thoracodorsal nerve was cut to prevent mixed nerve signals. We found that patients with distal muscle defects do not require functional muscle grafting. Pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap transfer is a straightforward and useful procedure for reconstructing the upper arm region.
Authors: Sachie Oda, Masayuki Okochi, Yuzo Komuro, Naoto Soejima
Institution: Teikyo University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,195
OpenAlex ID: W4405510871