Minimizing Donor Site Morbidity and Innovations in Donor Site Management

Donor site morbidity has become a major focus in free tissue transfer as flap success rates have approached 98%. Emphasis is placed on minimizing the morbidity and optimizing cosmetic and functional outcomes at the donor site. This article reviews techniques to mitigate the donor site morbidity of commonly used free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Angiographic Observation of the Perforators of Thoracodorsal Artery and Application of the Perforator Flaps in Repairing Adjacent Wounds

OBJECTIVE

The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap has not been widely used in clinical practice partly due to a lack of imaging evidence. The authors aim to investigate the types of thoracic dorsal artery perforators through angiography and provide our experiences in the utilization of thoracic dorsal artery perforator flaps to repair adjacent wounds.

METHODS

This study was divided into two parts. The first part was an angiography of the thoracodorsal artery in 12 patients based on DSA and CTA images from January 2015 to December 2023. The branches and perforators of the thoracodorsal artery were observed and classified. The second part study, between January 2019 and December 2023, illustrated the clinical application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in repairing neighboring wounds in 10 cases where a small area of muscular vascular pedicle was preserved with oblique branch of thoracodorsal artery trunk dissected to extend the pedicle. The donor area of the flap was closed primarily. The patients were followed up to evaluate the functional recovery of the shoulder joint after operation.

RESULTS

The perforators of thoracodorsal artery were classified into 2 types based on the number and diameter: type I, the dominant perforating type (1-2 dominant perforators plus varying numbers of tiny perforators); and type II, the capillary perforating type (a larger number of tiny perforators without dominant perforators). The diameter of the dominant perforator is >0.5 mm, while the diameter of the capillary perforators is <0.5 mm. In the first part of the study, there were 8 cases of dominant perforating type and 4 cases of capillary perforating type. In the second part of the study, 10 cases of thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps were applied to repair the chest wall (3 cases), the back (1 case), the axilla (2 cases), the shoulder (2 cases) and the upper arm (2 cases). All the flaps fully survived with no complications, such as hematoma and seroma in the donor area. The function of the shoulder joint was not affected in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The angiography showed that thoracodorsal artery perforators could be categorized into 2 types, namely the dominant perforators and capillary perforators. The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap with a small area of muscular vascular pedicle can be harvested with blood supply from both types of perforators. With reliable blood supply, flexible selection of tissue volume and minimal muscle injury, it becomes a good choice for repairing wounds on the thoracic-dorsal-shoulder area.

What about the donor site morbidity - how invasive is the free latissimus dorsi flap?

Aims

The free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap represents a workhorse procedure in the field of trauma and plastic surgery. However, only a small number of studies have examined this large group of patients with regard to the morbidity of flap harvest. The aim of this prospective study was therefore to objectively investigate the morbidity of a free LDM flap.

Methods

A control group (n = 100) without surgery was recruited to assess the differences in strength and range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder joint with regard to handedness of patients. Additionally, in 40 patients with free LDM flap surgery, these parameters were assessed in an identical manner.

Results

We measured higher values for all parameters assessing force in the shoulder joint on the dominant side of patients in the control group. Moreover, LDM flap harvest caused a significant reduction in strength in the glenohumeral joint in all functions of the LDM that were assessed, ranging from 9.0% to 13.8%. Equally, we found a significantly reduced ROM in the shoulder at the side of the flap harvest. For both parameters, this effect was diminished, when the flap harvest took place on the dominant side of the patient.

Conclusion

LDM flap surgery leads to a significant impairment of the strength and ROM in the shoulder joint. Moreover, the donor morbidity must be differentiated with regard to handedness: harvest on the non-dominant side potentiates the already existing difference in strength and ROM. Conversely, if the harvest takes place on the dominant side of the patient, this difference is diminished.

A prospective case-control study of disability, quality of life, and functional impairment of shoulder movements after latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction in breast cancer patients

Objectives

Dysfunction of shoulder movements could be a limiting factor to the use of Latissimus dorsi (LD) flap. This study aimed to assess the impact of LD flap reconstruction on shoulder dysfunction and the quality of life.

Material and Methods

This study comprised 28 early breast cancer cases who underwent breast conserving surgery (BCS) with LD flap and 40 controls. Subjective and objective assessments were done a year later.

Results

Mild and moderate disability were found in 85.71% and 14.3% cases vs. 100% and 0% controls (p= 0.316) respectively. Physical and emotional functioning were 84.29 ± 5.61 and 66.67 ± 6.05 in cases vs. 86.67 ± 8.38 and 70.0 ± 6.84 in controls (p= 0.36, 0.23) respectively. Pain score in cases was 23.8 ± 15.6 vs. 12.17 ± 8.4 in controls (p= 0.018). LD muscle strength in extension was 4.39 ± 0.35 in cases vs. 4.88 ± 0.22 in controls (p <0.001), 4.43 ± 0.18 for adduction in cases vs. 4.65 ± 0.24 in controls (p= 0.006). ROM of shoulder in flexion was 151.61 ± 4.86° in cases and 153.88 ± 2.36° in controls (p= 0.08), 40.36 ± 3.52° in cases vs. 49.13 ± 1.86° in controls for extension (p <0.001), in abduction it was 150.54 ± 3.69° in cases vs. 150.00 ± 0.00° in controls (p= 0.518), in adduction was 30.89 ± 4.0° in cases vs. 38.13 ± 1.11° in controls (p <0.001), in external rotation was 73.57 ± 3.63° in cases vs. 77.63 ± 2.36° in controls (p <0.001), and internal rotation was 69.46 ± 3.56° in cases vs. 79.00 ± 1.26° in controls (p <0.001).

Conclusion

We conclude that functional impairment should not be a determining factor for LD flap in breast reconstruction surgery.

Thoraco-dorsal artery perforator flap for totally autologous primary breast reconstruction. Assessment of feasibility with standard reporting scales

This study reports on feasibility and applicability of totally autologous primary breast reconstructions based on TDAP flaps using a standard set of internationally approved reporting scales. We reviewed 15 cases in patients with a good donor area in the back not suitable for implant or free flaps reconstructions. Complications according to Clavien Dindo were: 1 Grade 1 (seroma in the back). The ABS-BAPRAS quality assurance indicators 10, 11, and 12 were entirely fulfilled. No pedicled flap loss occurred; no unplanned return to theatre and no unplanned readmission within 3 months. Breast-related quality of life values are reported at 3 months and one year in four domains of the BREAST Q v. 2.0 (breast reconstruction post-op questionnaire). At 1 year the mean Q-score for satisfaction with breast was 70.5, for psychosocial well-being was 72.3; for sexual well-being was 58.8; for physical well-being (chest wall) was 70.60. The TDAP based totally autologous breast reconstruction reported to be a feasible and safe alternative to implant based or free flaps reconstructions according to consolidate international outcome reporting measures.

Novel Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for the Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Health-Related Quality of Life Following Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have become an integral part of the evaluation of reconstruction surgery outcomes. However, there are limitations in current PROMs when it comes to the assessment of well-being during inpatient stay, patient perception of health, relationship with partner, and vitality (i.e., mood and ability to work and pursue hobbies, carry out daily tasks, and sleep) following breast reconstructive surgery. The aim was to develop a novel set of measures to compare patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life following different types of postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A novel questionnaire was created and refined through cognitive interviews with patients and expert feedback. A field test study was conducted, including patients who had undergone delayed postmastectomy breast reconstruction with implant, autologous tissue, or combination of implant and autologous tissue. Based on the results, confirmatory factor analysis and examination of reliability of the questionnaire were conducted. Results of patient responses were analyzed using Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fit, and Cronbach's alpha indicated high internal consistency of the questionnaire. Besides that, patients with combination reconstruction reported significantly lower vitality than patients with implant and autologous reconstruction (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

This novel questionnaire expands the current knowledge base of postmastectomy breast reconstruction PROMs. Results of the field test study showed that combination reconstruction was associated with lower patient vitality than other reconstruction types.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Chest Wall Reconstruction in Male Poland Syndrome Patients with Endoscopic-Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap Transfer

BACKGROUND

Pectoralis major absence generates chest wall deformity and always requires surgical intervention. This study aimed to introduce a technique to reconstruct the chest wall for male Poland Syndrome patients with endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle (ELDM) flap via a single transverse axillary incision and evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

METHODS

A prospective study was designed to recruit male Poland Syndrome candidates for ELDM chest reconstruction. By performing a short and hidden transaxillary incision, we created anterior chest wall pocket and transferred the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap to recontour the chest wall. Data for patient demographics, LDM flap dimension, operative time, and complications were collected. Upper extremity functional disabilities were evaluated by the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) outcome questionnaire. Satisfaction with the outcome was measured by satisfaction with outcome subscale of the BREAST-Q questionnaire.

RESULTS

This study recruited 11 eligible patients to receive ELDM chest wall reconstruction. ELDM flap harvesting averagely consumed 79.9 minutes. Without significant complications, all patients recovered uneventfully. Chest wall anomalies of different severity were corrected safely and effectively. The score of DASH was 3.7±3.3 preoperatively and 4.0±3.7 postoperatively with no statistically significant difference. The score of satisfaction with the outcome was 84.8±14.3.

CONCLUSIONS

For chest wall anomalies of different severity in male Poland Syndrome patients, the ELDM technique provides a safe and efficient way to reconstruct the chest wall with a better aesthetic outcome, high satisfaction rate, and satisfactory upper limb function.

Comparisons of complications between extended latissimus dorsi flap and latissimus dorsi flap in total breast reconstruction: A prospective cohort study

Background

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is one of the most popular techniques in breast reconstruction. Although numerous studies have not shown functional impairment of the shoulder after surgery, other studies have reported significant functional impairment, especially after extended LD flap reconstruction. The present study compared functional deficit and shoulder movement between extended LD and LD flap reconstruction.

Materials and methods

Between December 2015 and May 2018, this study enrolled 31 patients undergoing LD flap reconstruction. Data on patient demographics, operative details, morbidities, and degree of shoulder movement were collected. Outcomes were compared between the extended LD and LD flap groups.

Results

Twenty-one women and 10 women underwent LD flap and extended LD flap reconstruction, respectively. The median patient age was 43 years. No demographic data differed between groups. Seroma, especially around the back incision, was the most common complication (90.5% in the LD flap and 90% in the extended LD group). Five patients in the LD flap group and one patient in the extended LD flap group showed decreased shoulder range of motion (ROM) at 6 months post-operation. Only one patient in the LD flap group showed impairment based on American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES). The results did not differ significantly between groups; however, the LD flap group showed faster functional recovery.

Conclusion

LD flap reconstruction can be performed with a very low impact on shoulder function. We observed a slightly decreased ROM for both LD flap techniques, with no impact on functional outcome.

•

After 6 months, 5 out of 16 patients in LD group and 1 out of 6 patients ELD group had decreasing of shoulder movement.

•

Patients in ELD group needed more time to recover their movement compare with LD group (4 vs 1.5 months, respectively).

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According to our subjective outcome, only 1 patient in LD group had decreasing in her shoulder movement after 6 months.

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The median time to fully recovered of ASES score was only 1 month in both groups.

•

All results were not statistically significant.

Regarding the Necessity of Functional Assessment Including Motor Control Assessment of Post-Mastectomy Patients Qualified for Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction Procedure-Pilot Study

The purpose of the paper is a functional assessment of post-mastectomy patients who underwent latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction (LDBR), and of healthy women, through an analysis of selected muscle function parameters, including motor control assessment. Twenty participants were included in the study (ten LDBR-procedure individuals and ten healthy controls). The research consisted of a DASH (The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire assessment, shoulder area static assessment, shoulder mobility assessment, latissimus dorsi flexibility assessment and shoulder motor control assessment. LDBR-procedure individuals-when compared to healthy controls-exhibited a decrease in physical aspects of quality of life, shoulder area postural alterations, limitations in shoulder mobility and decrease in shoulder motor control. LDBR procedure may have an influence on limiting shoulder active mobility, as well as on decrease of shoulder motor and postural control. Standard functional assessment diversified on motor control assessment of post-mastectomy patients qualified for the LDBR procedure seems to be necessary.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Functional Shoulder Impairment After Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction

PURPOSE

The latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) is a very reliable flap and may be used for a multitude of reconstructive purposes. It is widely used for breast reconstruction when performed. It has few complications, except for a possible impact on shoulder function. The aims of this study were to evaluate the validity of the literature by investigating the level of evidence and to perform a meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Predictor variables were shoulder function after breast reconstruction with the LDF. Articles were chosen according to 4 different outcomes: shoulder range of motion (ROM), shoulder strength, DASH score, and subjective evaluation.

RESULTS

Twenty-six articles were found, including 1045 patients: 8 level II, 16 level III, 1 level IV, and 1 level V articles. The meta-analysis showed that both ROMs for flexion and abduction are significantly impaired at less than or at 3 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several influencing factors, such as age, smoking, obesity, radiotherapy, and physiotherapy. Moreover, the impact on shoulder function seemed influenced by the type of thoracodorsal vessel-based flap. From the level of evidence analysis, there is a tendency that the LDF transfer does affect shoulder function. This limitation seems to be minimal, and few patients experience a major impact on shoulder function. However, the existing literature on total shoulder impairment after breast reconstruction with LDF is insufficient to draw any final conclusion. There is a need for future studies and current articles that suggest that the initial measurement should be performed preoperatively (preferably at the time of diagnosis or initial biopsy) and follow-ups with measurements at 6, 12, and 24 months (long-term effect) after surgery. We recommend measurements of both operated and nonoperated sides. Each measurement should be accompanied by a history with special emphasis on shoulder function. The methods of measuring outcomes of recommendation are DASH score, ROM with use of a goniometer preferably by a physiotherapist or a health care professional trained by a physiotherapist, and strength measured by, for example, a handheld dynamometer.

Acellular Dermal Matrix Performance Compared with Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction

Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) with tissue expander provides excellent results in breast reconstruction. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been used in expander-based reconstruction (EBR) with good results. This study assesses how ADM compares to LDMF in EBR.

Methods

The cohorts comprised 124 patients (218 breasts) who had EBR using ADM between 2006 and 2012, and 242 patients (266 breasts) who had EBR using LDMF between 1994 and 2012. Postoperative complications, reoperations, Breast-Q scores, and objectively assessed aesthetic outcomes were compared.

Results

Median age was 55 years for both ADM (range 23-84) and LDMF (range 26-88) groups. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups in the rates of major postoperative complications (P > 0.3). Forty-nine of the 218 (22.5%) in the ADM group and 67 of 266 (25.2%) in the LDMF group had a total of 63 and 84 reoperations, respectively (P = 0.52), with no significant differences in the reoperations rate (P > 0.3). No significant differences were observed in the Breast-Q scores. Some categorical differences were noted in the aesthetic outcomes; however, the difference between the overall outcomes was not significant (P = 0.54).

Conclusion

Our study revealed no statistically significant differences in the complications or reoperation rates, patient satisfaction, or overall aesthetic outcomes when comparing the use of ADM to LDMF in EBR. In conclusion, this study supports the hypothesis that ADM performs as well as LDMF in EBR.

Deep sternal wound infection - latissimus dorsi flap is a reliable option for reconstruction of the thoracic wall

Background

At present, data describing patients’ long-term outcomes, quality of life, and survival after deep sternal wound infection are rarely available.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate functional outcome and patient well-being after debridement and reconstruction of the sternal defect using a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap following deep sternal wound infection (DSWI).

Methods

This retrospective analysis reviewed 106 cases of DSWI after open-heart surgery treated between May 1, 2012, and May 31, 2015. The parameters of interest were demographic and medical data, including comorbidity and mortality. Follow-up consisted of physical examination of the patients using a specific shoulder assessment, including strength tests and measurements of pulmonary function.

Results

The population consisted of 69 (65%) male and 37 (35%) female patients. Their average age at the time of plastic surgery was 69 years (range: 35–85). The 30-day mortality was 20% (n = 21); after one-year, mortality was 47% (n = 50), and at follow-up, it was 54% (n = 58).

Heart surgery was elective in 45 cases (42%), urgent in 31 cases (29%) and for emergency reasons in 30 cases (28%). The preoperative European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) averaged 16.3 (range: 0.88–76.76).

On the dynamometer assessment, a value of 181 Newton (N) (±97) could be achieved on the donor side, in contrast to 205 N (±91) on the contralateral side.

The inspiratory vital capacity of the lung was reduced to an average of 70.58% (range: 26–118), and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s was decreased to an average of 69.85% (range: 38.2–118).

Conclusions

Given that only small adverse effects in shoulder function, strength, and pulmonary function were observed, the latissimus dorsi flap appears to be a safe and reliable option for the reconstruction of the sternal region after DSWI.

Optimal assessment tools in assessing breast surgery: patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) vs. objective measures

Improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients is the fundamental aim of aesthetic breast surgery and its importance is increasingly recognised in breast cancer-related surgery. There has been growing acceptance of the value of assessing physical, psychological and social well-being through patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). It is important to consider the role of PROMs in relation to objective measures to ensure that the optimal assessment tools are selected when assessing outcomes in breast surgery. A narrative review was conducted of published articles identified on Ovid Medline by searching the terms: patient reported outcome measures, quality of life (QoL), functional outcomes, aesthetic outcomes, complications and breast surgery. Reference lists were also examined to find relevant articles not detected through the search. Survival and mortality are outcomes of immense importance in breast surgery that are not suitable for assessment through PROMs and should be measured objectively. Post-operative complication rates and markers of their severity are most appropriately assessed using objective measures, however, patients may provide valuable insights into the impact complications have on their QoL. All current assessment tools for assessing aesthetic outcome have inherent limitations, and thus it is likely that both subjective and objective measures are required to comprehensively assess aesthetic outcomes in breast surgery. Physical dysfunction can be assessed objectively, however, PROMs may better evaluate physical well-being, reflecting the real-life implications of a change in function. Psychological and social well-being is irrefutably personal in nature and best assessed through PROMs. There is no one optimal assessment tool for assessing breast surgery outcomes. Utilising a combination of PROMs and objective measures is necessary to accurately and comprehensively evaluate the impact and effectiveness of surgical breast interventions.

Effect of breast reconstruction modality on the development of postmastectomy shoulder morbidity

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of breast reconstruction modality on the incidence of shoulder morbidity.

METHODS

Breast cancer patients who underwent immediate reconstructions using three modalities, namely, tissue expander-implant, latissimus dorsi (LD) pedicled flap, and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, from 2008 to 2013 were examined. The cumulative incidence of shoulder morbidity was compared among the reconstruction modalities, and risk factor analysis was performed using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 430 reconstructions (223 expander-implant, 44 LD flap, and 163 DIEP flap) in 420 patients were analyzed in this study. Shoulder morbidity developed in 95 patients (22.1%) and was most common in the LD group (43.2%) followed by the expander-implant (23.8%) and the DIEP (14.1%) groups over a mean follow-up of 52 (range: 24-120) months. The multivariable analysis showed that the expander-implant (odds ratio (OR) 2.15, p = 0.010) and the LD flap (OR 6.27, p < 0001) were significant risk factors for shoulder morbidity, compared to the DIEP flap. Old age (p = 0.041), presence of tumor-positive lymph nodes (p = 0.014), and receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for the development of shoulder morbidity. Early rehabilitation within 2 postoperative-months reduced the risk of sustained shoulder morbidity.

CONCLUSION

The choice of reconstruction modality might affect the development of postmastectomy shoulder morbidity. Understanding the risk factors for shoulder morbidity would help to improve the informed consent process and assist surgeons in the early diagnosis and initiation of rehabilitation therapy to prevent chronic shoulder dysfunction after breast reconstruction.

Quantitative analysis of shoulder function and strength after breast reconstruction: A retrospective cohort study

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy has been proven to affect patient quality of life, psychological well-being, and functional capacities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of breast reconstruction on postoperative shoulder function and muscle performance by evaluating isokinetic muscle performance tests.A retrospective chart review to collect data on shoulder function analysis with isokinetic muscle performance testing was performed among patients who received mastectomy with IBR from July 2013 to March 2015. Patients were categorized into 4 groups: a control group that underwent mastectomy without reconstruction, a tissue expander/implant insertion group, a pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap group, and a free transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap group.Analysis of the groups at 1 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 15 months postoperatively showed significant shoulder function improvement in the tissue expander/implant and TRAM groups as measured by linear regression analysis. Compared with the control group, patients who received immediate reconstruction with tissue expander/implant insertion or a TRAM flap showed statistically significant improvement in shoulder function after mastectomy.IBR with a TRAM flap or tissue expander/implant insertion were more beneficial for shoulder rehabilitation and for regaining function compared to mastectomy alone and breast reconstruction with a LD flap.

Changes in shoulder muscle activity pattern on surface electromyography after breast cancer surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Alterations in muscle activation and restricted shoulder mobility, which are common in breast cancer patients, have been found to affect upper limb function. The purpose of this study was to determine muscle activity patterns, and to compare the prevalence of abnormal patterns among the type of breast surgery.

METHODS

In total, 274 breast cancer patients were recruited after surgery. Type of breast surgery was divided into mastectomy without reconstruction (Mastectomy), reconstruction with tissue expander/implant (TEI), latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, or transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM). Activities of shoulder muscles were measured using surface electromyography. Experimental analysis was conducted using a Gaussian filter smoothing method with regression.

RESULTS

Patients demonstrated different patterns of muscle activation, such as normal, lower muscle electrical activity, and tightness. After adjusting for BMI and breast surgery, the odds of lower muscle electrical activity and tightness in the TRAM are 40.2% and 38.4% less than in the Mastectomy only group. The prevalence of abnormal patterns was significantly greater in the ALND than SLNB in all except TRAM.

CONCLUSIONS

Alterations in muscle activity patterns differed by breast surgery and reconstruction type. For breast cancer patients with ALND, TRAM may be the best choice for maintaining upper limb function.

The musculoskeletal consequences of breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi muscle for women following mastectomy for breast cancer: A critical review

Breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap following mastectomy is an important management option in breast cancer. However, one common, but often ignored, complication following LD flap is shoulder dysfunction. The aim of this critical review was to comprehensively assess the musculoskeletal impact of LD breast reconstruction and evaluate the functional outcome following surgery. Five electronic databases were searched including; Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health), PubMed and Web of Science. Databases were searched from 2006 to 2016, and only full text, English language articles were included. Twenty-two observational studies and two surveys were reviewed with sample sizes ranging from six to 206 participants. The majority of studies had small sample sizes and were retrospective in nature. Nevertheless, there is evidence to suggest that there is some degree of weakness and reduced mobility at the shoulder following LD muscle transfer. The literature demonstrates that there is considerable morbidity in the immediate post-operative period with functional recovery varying between studies. The majority of work tends to be limited and often gives conflicting results; therefore, further investigation is required in order to determine underlying factors that contribute to a reduction in function and activities of daily living.