Journal of Tissue Engineering and Reconstructive Surgery ›› 2024, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (1): 64-.

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Clinical application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in the repair of shoulders，chest and back wounds

  

  • Published:2024-03-07

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Abstract:

Objective To explore the application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in the repair of shoulders， chest
and back skin soft tissue defects. Methods From January 2019 to December 2022， thoracodorsal artery perforator flap was
applied to repair skin soft tissue defects of shoulder， chest and back in a total of 8 cases， all of which were caused by tumor
resection. Preoperatively， CTA and handheld Doppler ultrasound were applied to confirm the presence， course， branches，
and location of the thoracodorsal artery. The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap was designed according to the location and
area of the vulnus. The flap carried only a very small piece of muscle in the location where the perforating branch emanated，
and the proximal descending branch of the thoracodorsal artery was stripped from the muscle， preserving the transverse
branch of the thoracodorsal artery and the thoracodorsal nerve. The transverse branch could be cut if the length of the vascular
pedicle was insufficient. The flap was transferred with the pedicle to repair the wound. The donor area was sutured by pulling
together. Results The flap survived in all 8 cases， and the incision in the donor area healed well. The patients were followed
up for 6 months to 2 years. All patients were satisfied with the appearance of the recipient area， and there was no obvious
deformity in the donor area， and the function of the shoulder joint was not significantly affected. Conclusion The
thoracodorsal artery perforator flap has a reliable blood supply， a long vascular pedicle， and preserves the function of the
latissimus dorsi muscle， which makes it a good choice for repairing wounds adjacent to the shoulders， chest and back.

Key words:

Latissimus dorsi muscle