Objective:

To evaluate the aesthetic and functional outcomes as well as the degree of postoperative satisfaction of the lower limb's defects reconstruction with a muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap in children in order to propose this kind of reconstruction as a secure alternative.

Method:

In this study were included patients under 18 years with lower limb's defects treated over a period of 3 years. A muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flaps was performed in all patients. After three months the flap was performed, it was evaluated the donor's area muscular strength, recipient area function and aesthetic appearance.

Results:

They were made 13 muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flaps. In most cases, the donor and recipient area has satisfactory aesthetic appearance, most of the patients had a normal muscular strength (M5) in donors area and were able to walk.

Conclusions:

The reconstruction using a muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap has a very high level of satisfaction, excellent symmetry, and preservation of donor area muscle function. It is an ideal technique for major tissue defects of lower limb in children.

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