Clinical Applications & Efficacy of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle and Myocutaneous Flap-a Hospital Based Study

The Latissimus dorsi muscle is a large, flat muscle that covers the inferior half of the posterior trunk. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective study in which 23 patients (n=23) were studied after having informed consent from the patient or attendants or both. The data collection&storage was done on pre-formed working Performa sheets. Results were analyzed. It was found that when used as free flap or pedicled flap Latissimus dorsi can cover extensive and distant defects without obvious donor site loss of function. The Latissimus dorsi muscle and myocutaneous flap in pedicle or free flap form has provided a consistently reliable method of reconstruction of head and neck, upper limb, lower limb, chest, abdomen, breast, myelomeningocele. This study is an attempt to study the clinical applications of Latissimus dorsi muscle and myocutaneous flap and to determine the safety and efficacy of this flap.