Operative aid to combined synchronous mastectomy and latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction

A special frame is described which has been designed to hold the upper trunk and arm of patients firmly in the lateral position during the operation of combined synchronous mastectomy and latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction. The frame has prevented movement at the shoulder joint and distraction on the brachial plexus which resulted in brachial plexus palsy in two out of 15 patients in whom the operation was performed with a conventional arm support.