[The osteomuscular latissimus dorsi scapula flap: anatomical study and 3 cases]

The goal of the reconstruction of complex defects of the leg is to restore morphology, trophicity and function. The purpose of our study was to analyse the reliability of the latissimus dorsi scapula flap in this indication. We realized an anatomical study on 12 cadaver dissections. The presence of the angular artery was found to be constant with four types of origins described in this article. The same technique was applied on three patients presenting a complex tissue loss of the middle third of the tibia. This clinical application confirmed the validity of the technique.