Restoration of elbow flexion using the latissimus dorsi musculo-cutaneous flap.

The latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous flap has been used for restoration of elbow flexion in 8 cases. The indication for this transposition were brachial plexus injuries, significant trauma to the upper limb and restoration of arm contour. The surgical technique involved unipolar muscular transposition (4 cases) with tendon plication (one case) and bipolar transposition (three cases). The evaluation of results is based on the force and degree of elbow flexion, active pronation and supination, as cortical integration. We consider that we have obtained good results in 5 cases and moderate results in three. We think that the latissimus dorsi pedicle transfer for restoring elbow flexion, is an excellent procedure which can give a good functional result with minimal donor site sequelae.