Latissimus dorsi pedicled graft. An unusual cause of shoulder pain.

An unusual complication after the use of a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap is reported. The flap was used to reconstruct a facial defect after excision of a high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of a parotid gland. The tendinous insertion of the latissimus dorsi on the humerus was left intact and the flap pivoted around this point. Subsequent use of his arm caused the patient disabling shoulder pain from traction on the tendon. Symptoms resolved after the tendon was divided.