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J Reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2717-4556
Original Article

Patient Demographics Associated with Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Dimension for Flap Coverage Planning

Authors

  • Sophia Jacobi 

    1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States

  • Omer Sadeh

    1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States

  • Emily Davidovic-Katz

    1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States

  • Samara Moll

    1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States

  • Janos Barrera

    1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States

  • Jacques H. Hacquebord

    1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States
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Abstract

Background

The latissimus dorsi (LD) is a common workhorse flap used in reconstructive surgery to cover large wound defects. Estimating the area of possible coverage is necessary for preoperative planning and surgical success. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between patient factors and the measurable dimensions of the LD flap in order to inform more personalized preoperative planning and evidence-based flap selection.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of individuals who underwent computed tomography (CT) angiography of the chest and abdomen. Patient demographics – height, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. The primary outcome was the dimensions of the LD muscle edges and length of the thoracodorsal pedicle measured on CT. Multivariable linear regression was performed to determine the independent effects of patient demographics on the dimensions of the LD muscle.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included in this study. Patient demographics were significantly associated with all LD muscle dimensions. The length of the vascular pedicle was 9.502 ± 1.281 cm and was significantly associated with height (p < 0.001). Patient demographics had a strong correlation (r = 0.957) with this length. The average wound defect area the LD can cover was 209.99 cm2 (range: 114.24–312.40 cm2). This area increases or decreases by 1.498 cm2 per centimeter change in a patient's height (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

An understanding of how patient factors are associated with LD muscle dimensions is critical for preoperative planning and surgical success. Our study found that height, BMI, age, and sex all have associations with the dimensions of the LD muscle. As well, height is strongly correlated with the length of the thoracodorsal vascular pedicle, influencing the possible rotation arc of the flap.

Keywords

flap - latissimus dorsi - coverage - area - thoracodorsal pedicle

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 19 May 2025

Accepted: 20 September 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
10 October 2025

Article published online:
23 October 2025

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