Circumflex scapular perforator propeller flap for reconstruction of axillary scar contractures / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To estimate the preliminary result of circumflex scapular perforator propeller flap in reconstruction of axillary scar contractures.Methods:From January 2016 to June 2021, circumflex scapular perforator propeller flaps were used in 7 cases for reconstruction of soft tissue defect after axillary scar contractures. Patients were 5 males and 2 females. Age ranged from 23 to 38 years old, mean age of 27.7 years old. According to Kurtzman and Stern classification of axillary scar contractures, there were 1 case with type 1a, 1 with type 1b, 2 with type 2, and 3 with type 3. The preoperative range of motion of the shoulder joint were 40°-85°, with an average of 63.7°. All the patients were underwent scar release and circumflex scapular perforator propeller flap transfer. All flaps were transferred as the manner of perforator propeller flap. All the donor sites were closed directly. The defects after releasing ranged from 5.0 cm×7.0 cm to 11.0 cm×9.0 cm, and the flaps ranged from 16.0 cm×7.0 cm to 24.0 cm×9.0 cm. Flap survival, complications of donor site and recipient site were recorded after surgery. The range of motion of the shoulder joint, donor and recipient sites were reviewed in outpatient clinic.Results:All flaps survived uneventfully after surgery, besides 1 case complicated with distal venous congestion. The follow-up time ranged from 6 to 23 months, with an average of 12 months. The texture and contour of the flaps were good in all. At last follow-up, the range of motion of the shoulder joints were 90°-120°, with an average of 107°. Mild scar hyperplasia occurred in 2 cases.Conclusion:The circumflex scapular perforator propeller flap is an effective protocol in reconstruction of axillary scar contractures.