DOUBLE ISLAND LATISSIMUS-DORSI MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP IN THE TREATMENT OF HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL INJURIES OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY - A ONE-STAGE PROCEDURE FOR WOUND COVERAGE AND FUNCTIONAL RECONSTRUCTION

In the treatment of high-voltage electrical injuries of the upper extr emity, one-stage procedures are superior to multiple-stage procedures since time is a critical factor in obtaining functional results. In tw o cases of high-voltage electrical injuries of the upper extremity, a latissimus dorsi flap with double skin islands was used as a one-stage procedure to cover two separate defects in the axillary and cubital r egions, and to restore the elbow flexion. The procedure is described a nd the alternative methods of treatment of high-voltage electrical inj uries of the upper extremity are discussed.