INTRODUCTION: There has been a dramatic increase in spine surgery. New surgical instrumentation and less invasive techniques make surgical procedure faster, safer, achieving better functional results. With this increasing number of operations, the number of back surgery failures has also increased. Complications may be mechanical, biological, or related to problems on instrumentation frames. The rate of spinal infections lies between 3-6 % and it´s still a challenge. After debridement and removal of all infected nonviable soft tissue, it is sometimes difficult to obtain wound closure. Pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap coverage provides wound healing by promoting vascularized tissue to reduce dead spaces, enhancing local oxygen delivery, and facilitating antibiotic concentration. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the suitability of the latissimus dorsi flap for covering spinal skin defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 17 cadaveric latissimus dorsi flaps were made, measuring how much they surpassed the middle line at C7, T7 and thocaolumbar transition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This study warrants the suitability of this flap to cover spinal skin defects.
Elderly; Hip fractures; Rehabilitation; Surgery
