Latissimus Dorsi Free Flaps

Abstract

The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for free tissue transfer has been and continues to be a workhorse for head and neck reconstruction. This chapter provides the indications and contraindications for its use and serves also to provide knowledge of its anatomy and dissection schema. The use of this flap for head and neck reconstruction allows for composite tissue transfers and lends well to a chimeric reconstruction where multiple different types of tissues (bone, skin, muscle, fascia) can be carried via a single pedicle. It also serves a role in functional restoration in facial reanimation.