Novel Split Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap After High-velocity Ballistic Injury With Functional Deficit:...

Severe trauma often results in structural and functional impairments, necessitating advanced surgical interventions to restore mobility and function, often in the setting of soft tissue defects. Myocutaneous free flap transfer serves as an excellent choice for extremity trauma. In this case series, we detailed the implementation of the split latissimus dorsi flap (s-LDF) as a myocutaneous flap to address complex motor functional deficits from gunshot wound injuries. The following 2 novel cases document the s-LDF for improved motor functionality capabilities after gunshot wounds in the lower extremity and upper extremity. In these patients, s-LDF was able to restore strength and motor function comparable to other transfers with the aforementioned benefits. The successful application of the s-LDF as a myocutaneous flap in these 2 cases provides an additional adjunct to the functional muscle transfer armamentarium.