Neurotization of the Remaining Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Following Muscle Flap Transplant

ABSTRACT

The neurotization of the remaining latissimus dorsi muscle at the donor site is a useful technique in children. It is performed during the same surgical procedure as the free vascularized flap and consists of a neurolysis of the thoracodorsal nerve into three to five fascicles, and introducing them into three to five different openings in the muscle fibers. This technique is important in young patients for avoiding functional long-term sequelae such as scoliosis and developmental muscular defects of the vertebral column. Three cases are reported, with evaluation by electromyography and biopsy.