Abstract: Objective To explore the clinical application of expanded muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in repairing extensive scar contracture deformity of chest. Methods From October 2010 to October 2012, 8 cases with extensive scar contracture deformity in chest were treated by expended muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap, including 3 bilateral cases. The operation was divided into two stages. Stage one: A Doppler probe was used to mark the location of lateral myocutaneous perforators of thoracodorsal artery (LMTA). The muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap was designed based on LMTA. Flap undermined in accordance with design, and then tissue expander was implanted. The expansion time was 4 to 6 months. Stage two: The scars were excited, the breast tissue was relocated at the normal anatomic position. The expended muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap was transplanted to cover the defects. Results All the flaps survived, and all donor sites were closed primarily. All the patients were followed up for 3 to 20 months, the texture and color of the flap was similar to chest skin. There was no difference in strength or range of motion around shoulder joint comparing with opposite shoulder joint. No depressed deformity was observed and the appearance of breast was excellent in female patients. Conclusion It is an ideal method to repair extensive scar contracture deformity in chest with expended muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.

Key words: Muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, Expansion, Scar contracture deformity