ABSTRACT
The neurotization of the remaining latissimus dorsi muscle at the donor site is a
useful technique in children. It is performed during the same surgical procedure as
the free vascularized flap and consists of a neurolysis of the thoracodorsal nerve
into three to five fascicles, and introducing them into three to five different openings
in the muscle fibers. This technique is important in young patients for avoiding functional
long-term sequelae such as scoliosis and developmental muscular defects of the vertebral
column. Three cases are reported, with evaluation by electromyography and biopsy.
