Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap and Gracilis Free Flap for Restoration of Elbow Flexion: Systematic Review and Indirect Comparative Meta-Analysis of Functional Outcomes.

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate the functional outcomes of pedicled latissimus dorsi flap and gracilis free flap for elbow flexion restoration.
• Conducted a systematic review of literature
• Performed an indirect comparative meta-analysis
• Compared pooled flexion angles and strength values of both flaps
• Pooled flexion angles were higher for latissimus dorsi flap than gracilis free flap
• Strength values were also higher for latissimus dorsi flap
• Findings are suggestive trends due to lack of direct comparative studies