Treatment of postburn scar and scar contracture using various modified local flaps

ABSTRACT

Application of local flaps for releasing postburn scar contracture has been limited because of a problem of invisible loss, difficulty to obtain the satisfactory result against correction of limitation of motion and possibility of contour deformity. However, proper use of local flaps, accurate designs and complete wound compression for a long term after operation enable to obtain good results in correction of some cases of postburn scar contracture. It will be related to reduce unsightly scaring when contractures are released. For this purpose, we have used a modified planimetric Z-plasty, a subcutaneous pedicle flap, a new classification V-Y plasties which was proposed based on the new concept and their combination. Proper application of local flaps corresponding to the degree of contracture and shape of burn scar have enabled to increase the use of local flaps against correction of postburn scar contracture during our past 15 years, from 1982 to 1997, we treated 235 cases of postburn scar or scar contracture in various regions except for the face. Of these, 177 cases were applicated with local flaps and we could have a good results in both aspects of function and appearance. We report our operative methods, a criterion to application of local flaps and representative results.