Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to restore elbow flexion and axillary burn contracture: a report on two pediatric patients.

The transposition of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is described in 2 pediatric patients: one with complete loss of elbow flexion, and the other with severe axillary burn contracture. A simplified, secure, one-stage reconstruction with the myocutaneous flap resulted in an excellent substitute of biceps function and skin coverage. The axillary reconstruction allowed immediate full over-the-head abduction, without recurrence of the contracture. In any nonforcible shoulder activity, the function of the latissimus dorsi muscle will not be missed, because of the numerous substitute muscles.