Abstract
Purpose: Since spinal tuberculosis is increasing in prevalence, it appears that a repair of spinal soft tissue defect as a complication of spinal tuberculosis can be a meaningful work. We report this convenient and practical reconstructive surgery which use bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous advancement flap. Methods: Before the operation, $13{\times}9.5$ cm sized skin and soft tissue defect was located on the dorsal part of a patient from T11 to L3. And dura was exposed on L2. Under the general endotrachel anesthesia, the patient was placed in prone position. After massive saline irrigation, dissection of the bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps was begun just upper to the paraspinous muscles (at T11 level) by seperating the paraspinous muscles from overlying latissimus dorsi muscles. The plane between the paraspinous muscles fascia and the posterior edge of the latissimus dorsi muscle was ill-defined in the area of deformity, but it could be identified to find attachment of thoracolumbar fascia. The seperation between latissimus dorsi and external oblique muscle was identified, and submuscular plane of dissection was developed between the two muscles. The detachment from thoracolumbar fascia was done. These dissections was facilitated to advance the flap. The posterior perforating vasculature of the latissimus dorsi muscle was divided when encountered approximately 6 cm lateral to midline. Seperating the origin of the latissimus dorsi muscle from rib was done. The dissection was continued on the deep surface of the latissimus dorsi muscle until bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps were enough to advance for closure. Once this dissection was completely bilateraly, the bipedicled erector spinae muscle was advanced to the midline and was repaired 3-0 nylon to cover the exposed vertebrae. And two musculocutaneous units were advanced to the midline for closure. Three 400 cc hemovacs were inserted beneath bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps and above exposed vertebra. The flap was sutured with 3-0 & 4-0 nylon & 4-0 vicryl. Results: The patient was kept in prone and lateral position. Suture site was stitched out on POD14 without wound dehiscence. According to observative findings, suture site was stable on POD55 without wound problem. Conclusion: Bilateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous advancement flap was one of the useful methods in repairing of large spinal soft tissue defect resulting from spinal tuberculosis.