Selective transposition of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap: an electromyographic evaluation

Abstract

Although it has been postulated that the segmental anatomy of the pectoralis major muscle should allow intact motor function to be preserved at the donor site after a myocutaneous island flap has been transposed, the functional outcome of this “selective” harvesting technique has not been previously investigated. In this study the degree of innervation of the residual pectoralis major muscle on the chest after traditional (10 patients) and “selective” (10 patients) pectoralis major myocutaneous flap transposition has been evaluated using postoperative electromyography. According to the data obtained, while an intact innervation of the external segment is maintained utilizing both techniques, it is impossible to preserve functional innervation of the remaining sternocostal strip medial to the donor site during a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap transposition, even after its “selective” harvesting.