Pedicled muscle flaps

Abstract

Local transposition of a muscle flap is a useful and simple technique and does not require any special instrumentation. However, it does require a good knowledge of anatomy, an understanding of the indications and limitations of the technique, and careful dissection. A muscle flap is indicated when the specific benefits of transposed muscle tissue are needed. This is particularly the case when closing defects that are ischaemic, infected or irradiated, or when muscle bulk or physical support is needed. This chapter discusses Indications; Types of muscle flap; Using muscle flaps; Complications; and Myocutaneous flaps. Case examples: Repair of a perineal hernia hernia with a semitendinosus muscle flap; and Reconstruction of a thoracic wall deficit (following tumour resection) with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Operative techniques: Raising a muscle or myocutaneous flap; Humeral head of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flap; Ulnaris lateralis muscle flap; Superficial gluteal muscle flap; Internal obturator muscle flap; Cranial sartorius muscle flap; Caudal sartorius muscle flap; Rectus femoris muscle flap; Semitendinous muscle flap; Cranial border of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle flap; Cranial tibial muscle flap; Temporalis muscle flap; Cranial portions of the sternocephalicus, sternothyroideus and sternohyoideus muscle flaps; Caudal portions of the sternocephalicus, sternothyroideus and sternohyoideus muscle flaps; Cervical portion of the trapezius muscle flap; Deep pectoral muscle flap; Latissimus dorsi muscle flap; Cranial portion of the external abdominal oblique muscle flap; Rectus abdominis muscle flap; Cutaneous trunci myocutaneous; Latissmus dorsi myocutaneous flap; Trapezius myocutaneous flap; and the Gracilis myocutaneous flap.