What is latissimus dorsi?
The latissimus dorsi muscle is a broad, flat muscle that occupies the majority of the lower posterior thorax. The muscle’s primary function is of the upper extremity but is also considered to be a respiratory accessory muscle.
How long does it take to recover from latissimus?
It can take about 4 weeks to recover from latissimus dorsi reconstruction surgery. Because you’ve had surgery at two sites on your body (your chest and your back), you might feel worse than someone who had mastectomy alone and it will probably take you longer to recover.
What is breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap?
What is a breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap? A breast reconstruction is an operation to recreate a breast shape after you have had a mastectomy (removing all your breast). Your surgeon will recreate a breast shape using the latissimus dorsi muscle from the side of your back, usually with an implant.
How long is a lat flap surgery?
Patients are generally counseled that the surgery will take 3 to 4 hours for a typical latissimus breast reconstruction. Postoperatively, they have 2 donor site drains and 1 to 2 breast drains.
What does latissimus mean in anatomy?
[lah-tis´ĭ-mus] (L.) widest; in anatomy, denoting a broad structure.
How do you relieve latissimus dorsi pain?
Treatment of Latissimus Dorsi Pain
- Rest by avoiding activities like exercising, which may cause more discomfort, pain, and swelling.
- Ice the injured area by using an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for 15 to 20 minutes. Do this every 2 to 3 hours during the first few days after the injury.
How do you sleep after latissimus dorsi surgery?
You should sleep on your back the first six to eight weeks after surgery. Do not sleep on your side or your abdomen as this can compromise the breast flap or move the implant. It is recommended for you to sleep in a recliner, which will help prevent you from rolling to your side or stomach.
What happens after latissimus dorsi?
After a latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction, your newly reconstructed breast will not look and feel exactly the same as your natural breast. Typically, a flap will look and feel more like natural breast tissue than having breast implants alone. You may elect to have additional surgery to create a nipple and areola.
Why is the latissimus muscle used in reconstructive surgery?
Reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap produces a breast with ptosis and projection while maintaining the natural consistency and feel of normal tissue. This flap provides ample bulk for reconstruction due to the large surface of the muscle.
Can a latissimus dorsi flap be reversed?
The turnover of the reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap from upper back to the lower back can cover midline lumbar and sacral defects. The reverse latissimus dorsi muscle flap can be transposed to cover the lumbar orthoracic defects and can be used inside the chest.
What is the latissimus dorsi?
Your latissimus dorsi, more commonly referred to as the lats, is a big, flat, triangularly shaped muscle that covers the width of your middle and lower back. You, of course, have two lats, one on each side of your spine.
How do you know if your latissimus dorsi is bad?
You’ll usually feel it in your shoulder, back, or upper or lower arm. The pain will worsen when you reach forward or extend your arms. Contact your doctor if you have trouble breathing, a fever, or abdominal pain. Combined with latissimus dorsi pain, these may be symptoms of a more serious injury or condition. What causes latissimus dorsi pain?
How does the latissimus dorsi muscle affect the scapula?
Latissimus dorsi muscle. Due to bypassing the scapulothoracic joints and attaching directly to the spine, the actions the latissimi dorsi have on moving the arms can also influence the movement of the scapulae, such as their downward rotation during a pull up .
What activities can cause latissimus dorsi pain?
Activities that can cause latissimus dorsi pain include: 1 gymnastics 2 baseball 3 tennis 4 rowing 5 swimming 6 shoveling snow 7 chopping wood 8 chin-ups and pullups 9 reaching forward or overhead repeatedly More