Latissimus dorsi transplantation to restore elbow flexion to the paralysed limb

Abstract

In two patients with flexor paralysis of the elbow due to a lesion of the bracbial pluxus, the entire latissimus dorsi muscle was transplanted to act as an elbow flexor, preserving its neurovascular pedicle. This flexorplasty proved useful for patients who had suffered a traction lesion of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus.