Free Functional Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings following Oncologic Resection of Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Thigh

BACKGROUND: Limb-salvage surgery combined with radiotherapy has become the primary treatment for soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity. Free functional latissimus flaps (FFLF) are an option to restore function in the setting of volumetric muscle loss. The purpose of the current study was to examine the use of FFLF in patients undergoing resection of thigh sarcoma. METHODS: Twelve patients with a sarcoma involving the hamstring (n = 6), quadriceps (n = 5), or combined (n = 1) defects which included multiple muscle groups were reviewed. This included 9 males and 3 females with a mean age and body mass index of 56 ± 12 years and 31.3 ± 5.7 kg/m(2). RESULTS: The mean defect volume and operative time was 3,689 ± 2,314 cm(3) and 587 ± 73 minutes. Following reconstruction, the mean knee range of motion (ROM), MSTS93 score, and muscle strength was 89 ± 24°, 90 ± 15%, and 4 ± 1; with 75% of patients ambulating without gait aids. Seven (58%) patients sustained a complication, namely, delayed wound healing (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Although there was a high incidence of complications, FFLF can restore active knee ROM and function, with most patients ambulating without gait aids following reconstruction of large oncologic defects in the thigh.