According to the Mathes and Nahai classification of muscle flaps, the latissimus dorsi muscle, supplied by both a dominant thoracodorsal pedicle and multiple minor segmental pedicles, belongs to which type?
- A Type II
- B Type V ✓
- C Type IV
- D Type III
Explanation
Mathes and Nahai type V muscles have one dominant vascular pedicle plus secondary segmental pedicles; examples are the latissimus dorsi and the pectoralis major. This dual supply allows safe arc of rotation either on the dominant pedicle alone or as a turnover flap. Type II muscles such as gracilis have a dominant pedicle plus minor pedicles, and type IV muscles such as sartorius have only segmental pedicles.
Reference: Grabb and Smith's Plastic Surgery, 8th ed.
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