Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Anterior Surface of the Lower Leg in Burn Patients Using a Free Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap

Abstract

The primary treatment of extensive, deep 3° burn injuries of the lower leg can lead to adhesion of the split-thickness graft with the anterior tibial shaft. Chronic recurring defects with correlative soft-tissue infection can be the consequences, which complicate the patient's rehabilitation. In most cases large defects are involved, so that the secondary reconstructive measures must be planned on accordingly generous scale. The transfer of a latissimus dorsi free flap enables the surgeon to cover defects of almost the entire anterior aspect of the lower leg as well as the ventral circumference. We covered the muscle surface with mesh graft. All patients on whom this technique was practiced achieved an adequate, stable skin coverage without further recurrence of infection. A description of the technique is given based on case reports and their subsequent follow-up.

Key Words:

• burn injuries
• lower leg soft tissue repair
• latissimus dorsi free flap