We experienced treating 7 cases with the latissimus dorsi flap to restore the upper limb. The operation was performed in 4 cases to restore elbowflexion, 1 case to restore elbow extension, and 1 case to restore finger extension.
The 7 cases were used as the musculcocutaneous flap. All of these cases survived completely. After the operation active flexion of the elbow in 4 cases with elbow flexion reconstruction was measured between 100° and 130°, and active extension between -10 and -35°. In the case with restoration of elbow extension, the range of motion after the operation was between -5° of extension and 125° of flexion.
In the case with restoration of the finger extension, the pinch power after operation was stronger then it was before operation.
I think that latissimus dorsi flap is the best musculocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of the elbow and the finger.