[Application of computed tomography angiography in visualize of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transplantation]

To evaluate the feasibility and clinical significance of the computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap transplantation.

From September 2007 to August 2008, 3 cases of soft tissue defects in limbs were treated with LDM flap transplantation. Three patients included 2 males and 1 female who were 23- to 42-years-old. All of soft tissue defects were caused by trauma. The locations were the forearm in 2 cases and the leg in 1 case. The area of defect was 17 cm x 8 cm-20 cm x 10 cm. All cases received CTA to observe the distribution and anastomosis of thoracodorsal artery. Subsequently, three-dimensional computer reconstruction were carried out to display the stereoscopic structure of the LDM flap and to design the LDM flap before operation.

The anatomy characteristic of LDM flap can be displayed accurately by the three-dimensional reconstruction model. The distribution of thoracodorsal artery in 3 cases of flaps was in concordance with preoperative design completely. All the flaps were excised successfully, the area of the flap was 19 cm x 10 cm-22 cm x 12 cm. All the transferred flaps survived completely. All cases were followed up from 4 months to 12 months. The color and texture of the flaps were good.

The three-dimensional reconstructive images can provide visible, stereoscopic and dynamic anatomy for clinical application of LDM flap. The digitized three-dimensional reconstructive models of LDM flap structures can be applied in clinical training and pre-operative design.