Reconstruction of anterior neck burn deformities

ABSTRACT

Correction of the anterior neck burn deformities are preventable rather than surgically correctable by splinting the burned neck in extension position during the acute stage of burn at the end of edema stage. This article aims to compare between releasing of contractures with immediate resurfacing with split thickness skin graft in 30 patients and releasing of contractures of the neck and resurfacing with skin flap in 34 patients. Points of comparison were good aesthetic results as determined by the cervicomental angle obtained, the subjective opinion of patients and good range of motion of the neck, complications of surgery as recontracture again, complementary procedure, postoperative splint and its duration. Regarding patients' satisfaction and complications rate patients of group two revealed better aesthetic results and good range of motion rather than in group one. There were four flap failure attributed to bleeding disorder and to technical errors. Anterior neck burn sequelae thus can be safely treated by enbloc resection and resurfacing with flaps rather than skin graft if possible