The use of subcutaneous pedicle multiple rhomboid flaps in the treatment of long postburn scar contractures

The subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flap is a relatively new technique in the treatment of linear, wide or quadratic postburn scar contractures with two or more contracture lines. The effectiveness of the rhomboid flap depends on lengthening the contracture band by relaxation incisions and closing the emerged defect by suturing the rhomboid flap in V-Y and Y-V advancement. The technique is simple, efficient and versatile. The broad subcutaneous pedicle of the flap is very reliable and postoperative flap necrosis is rare. Clinical results show that the gain in length provided by a single rhomboid flap ranges from 75-90%. However, the technique may not be efficient enough to release the whole band in cases of long contracture bands. Therefore, a new design of rhomboid flaps, called "multiple rhomboid flaps", may be needed. Twelve patients (aged 3-40 years) with long linear and wide scar contractures were successfully treated with subcutaneous pedicle multiple rhomboid flaps. Multiple consequent or adjacent rhomboid flaps were applied in the upper extremity (in nine patients), trunk (in seven patients), and lower extremity (in two patients). Complete relaxation and elongation of the contracture bands were achieved in all of the cases and all rhomboid flaps healed uneventfully. The results were functionally and cosmetically successful. The application of rhomboid flaps in this consequent and adjacent fashion is a new concept. Clinical results prove that the technique is versatile and effective in the release of long potstburn scar contractures. Since distortion of the surrounding skin or displacement of anatomical landmarks is not seen with the technique, color and texture matches are perfect. Designing and performing multiple rhomboid flaps is very simple and the operation time is short. As no undermining is carried out in the technique, the flaps are more reliable than commonly used multiple Z-plasty.     

Do rhomboid flaps provide more elongation than Z-plasty flaps? An experimental study

Background and aim: A Z-plasty flap is one of the most widely used geometric relaxation methods to release contracture bands. A rhomboid flap is a lesser used geometric relaxation method than a Z-plasty flap. This study aimed to determine the length and rate of elongation provided by rhomboid and Z-plasty flaps.

Methods: Bilateral contracture bands were created in the inguinal skins of rats. A rhomboid flap was planned for the right side of the inguinal region, and a single Z-plasty flap was planned for the left side. The length and rate of elongation provided by the two flaps were calculated after completing the procedures and were compared using Student’s t-test.

Results: Experimental contracture bands disappeared in both the inguinal regions after creating rhomboid and Z-plasty flaps. The mean postoperative elongation of the contracture band was 1.4?±?0.119 and 2.47?±?0.281?cm using the rhomboid and Z-plasty flaps, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p?Conclusion: Z-plasty flaps provide more elongation than rhomboid flaps and also appear to be better options for releasing linear contracture bands. However, rhomboid flaps may be used as alternatives when Z-plasty flaps cannot be used and in regions such as the axilla, genital region, nipple-areola, where their distortion effects should be avoided.     

Double opposing rectangular advancement elongates tension line as much as Z-plasty: an experimental study in the rat inguinal skin

PURPOSE: Z-plasty is a well-known and commonly used local flap technique in the treatment of contracture bands. Double opposing rectangular advancement is a new and alternate local flap design which can be used in the treatment of wide and linear postburn scar contractures. The technique consists of opposition of two adjacent rectangular flaps by advancement. This experimental study compares lengthening provided by Z-plasty and double opposing rectangular advancement. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Lower extremities of 10 male Sprague-Dawley rats were strained by hanging 400 g of weight to provide tension lines over both inguinal areas. We planned Z-plasty with 2 cm central limb and with 60 degrees angles to the inguinal tension line on one side. On the other side, we sketched double adjacent rectangular flaps with 2 cm long axis and 1cm short axis over the tension line. Triangular flaps were elevated over the muscle, transposed and sutured in Z-plasty. Rectangular flaps were incised down to the muscle, advanced and opposed to each other before suturing. The final lengthening provided by both techniques were measured and the results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Both Z-plasty and double opposing rectangular advancement techniques were effective in relief of tension over both inguinal areas and in lengthening the tension lines. Z-plasties provided lengthening ranging between 4 and 4.6 cm. The difference between pre- and post-operative (Delta) measurements in Z-plasty ranged between 2-2.6 cm (mean+/-standard deviation=2.26+/-0.24 cm). The lengthening provided by double opposing rectangular advancement were between 3.9 and 4.5 cm and the Delta measurements ranged between 1.9 and 2.5 cm (mean+/-S.D.=2.22+/-0.22 cm). Statistical analysis revealed that the elongation provided by both techniques are not significantly different from each other (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Double opposing rectangular advancement technique elongates a tension line as much as Z-plasty in the rat inguinal skin.     

The use of subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flap in the treatment of postburn scar contractures

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and versatility of subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flap in the treatment of linear or wide postburn scar contractures located in various parts of the body. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients (aged 5 to 35 years) with postburn linear and wide scar contractures were treated with 31 subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flaps. Rhomboid flaps were applied in the trunk (4 flaps), head and neck (5 flaps), lower extremity (5 flaps), and upper extremity (17 flaps). In 3 cases, Z-plasty was incorporated to the technique due to inadequate release. RESULTS: All rhomboid flaps healed uneventfully. In 28 contractures, rhomboid flaps alone were efficient to release the tension line (90.3%). Tip necrosis of the triangular flaps of Z-plasty in 1 case was the only complication seen that later led to recontracture. CONCLUSION: Clinical results indicated that subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flap is a simple, efficient, and versatile technique in release of any postburn scar contracture. As no undermining is carried out, the flaps are more reliable than commonly used Z-plasty. Again contrary to Z-plasty, displacement of anatomic landmarks such as axillary hair and areola is rare with the technique.     

"风筝"皮瓣在眼睑前层缺损修复中的应用

目的探讨“风筝”皮瓣(亦称皮下蒂推进皮瓣)在修复眼睑前层(包括皮肤和眼轮匝肌)缺损的应用。方法于缺损邻接部位沿皮纹方向设计“风筝”皮瓣，按设计线切开皮肤，在眼轮匝肌下剥离形成以眼轮匝肌为皮下蒂的“风筝”皮瓣，推进转移修复皮肤缺损，用70无损伤缝线缝合。自1994年以来已用于14例，年龄15～64岁，缺损最大直径为上睑长度的1／3。结果皮瓣全部成活，切口Ⅰ期愈合，随访时间3个月至1年，眼睑形态满意，切口瘢痕不明显。结论对于眼睑前层范围较大不宜直接缝合，但尚有条件用局部皮瓣修复的中等大的缺损，用“风筝”皮瓣进行修复简单易行，效果可靠。其优点是，皮瓣通过推进转移的方式覆盖创面，没有旋转和变形，转移后局部平整，无“猫耳”等畸形产生，皮瓣蒂部宽广，血运良好，愈合后肤色与四周一致。     

Subcutaneous island pedicle flap: variations and versatility for facial reconstruction

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of facial skin defects may be a clinical challenge in respect to esthetic considerations, and the V-Y advancement island pedicle flap has been a versatile and reliable method. Besides the V-Y flap, this article is to introduce the variations of subcutaneous island pedicle flaps and their versatility for facial reconstruction. METHODS: From August 1994 to August 2005, 179 cases of medium-sized facial skin defects within 1 cosmetic unit were reconstructed with the variations of island pedicle flaps, and the length and width of the defects following removal of lesion ranged from 1.2 cm x 0.8 cm to 6.2 cm x 5.4 cm. RESULTS: Ninety-nine facial defects all over the face were reconstructed with the V-Y flaps, and the traditional and modified transposition island pedicle flaps were used to reconstruct 80 cases of relatively larger width of defects in the nose, lip, and upper cheek, especially in the young patients. Through careful planning and implementation, all flaps survived with primary healing postoperatively. With a follow-up from 6 to 30 months, well-concealed, soft, flat scars, together with good matching of the recipient sites and the flaps, were recorded. Patients and surgeons judged final overall outcome as excellent or good in 94.4% and 92.2% of evaluated patients, respectively. The main complications included visible trapdoor deformation in 9 patients, bulky flap pedicle in 8 patients, and low-grade ectropion of lower eyelid in a young boy, which all were readily revised at the second stage. Temporary alteration of sensation in the flap skin was another possible complication but usually improved with time. CONCLUSIONS: Variations of subcutaneous island pedicle flaps can be designed and may be versatile and reliable methods for esthetic reconstruction of medium-sized facial defects.     

Bilateral, extended V-Y advancement flap

A modification of the V-Y advancement flap for the closure of circular skin defects is presented to decrease the tension in the closure and to break the midline vertical scar. Bilateral, extended V-Y advancement flaps with additional limbs extending to the advancing edges of the standard flaps were marked on both sides of the wound. After advancement of the V-Y flaps on their subcutaneous pedicle, the upper and lower extensions were hinged downward as transposition flaps to close the middle portion of the circular defect, where maximum tension occurs. This procedure was applied to 10 patients with sacral and trochanteric pressure sores. No complications or recurrences were noted during the 2 to 10 months of follow-up. Bilateral, extended V-Y advancement flaps enable the reconstruction of large defects without midline tension. Also, the resulting scar where the flaps meet is a zigzag line, so a straight midline scar is avoided.     

Comparison of the rates of elongation provided by multiple smaller rhomboid flaps and larger single rhomboid flap--an experimental study

Background

The rhomboid flap is one of the geometric relaxation techniques used for releasing burn scar contractures.

Purpose

In the present study, we evaluated the question; ‘which is better: one larger rhomboid flap or a series of multiple smaller rhomboid flaps?’

Methods

Ten male Wistar rats each weighing 250–300 g were used. In the groups, 2.5 cm of the inguinal region was used. Two 1 cm long rhomboid flaps with spaced by 0.5 cm were used in the right side and a single 2.5 cm long rhomboid flap was used in the left side.

Conclusion

An elongation by using single larger rhomboid flap (66%) is significantly bigger than an elongation by using multiple smaller rhomboid flaps (26%) (p < 0.01).     

Double opposing rectangular advancement flap is an alternative technique in the treatment of wide linear postburn scar contractures

Background

Double opposing rectangular advancement is a new and alternative technique in the treatment of postburn scar contractures. The technique consists of opposing two adjacent subcutaneously pedicled rectangular flaps by advancement and lengthening a contracture band. Experimental studies demonstrated that the technique is efficient to elongate a tension line as much as Z-plasty in the rat inguinal skin. In this clinical study we investigated the efficiency and versatility of the technique in the treatment of wide linear postburn scar contractures in various parts of the body.

Materials and method

We applied 16 double opposing rectangular advancement in 7 patients (aged 4–56). Flaps were applied in the upper extremity (11 flaps), lower extremity (4 flaps) and trunk (1 flap).

Results

Average follow-up was 1-year. All flaps achieved adequate relaxation postoperatively and healed uneventfully. Postoperative measurements indicated that the lengthening provided with the technique ranged from 72 to 100%. The subcutaneous pedicle of the rectangular flaps provided a distinct advantage in terms of vascularity. Recontracture was seen in one patient to whom two double opposing rectangular flaps in series were applied in the axilla.

Conclusion

Clinical results indicated that double opposing rectangular advancement is effective in the treatment of wide linear postburn scar contractures. Preoperative planning and application of flaps are simple. One knows preoperatively the exact elongation along the contracture line and narrowing perpendicular to this line which will be provided with the technique. Since the flaps are subcutaneously pedicled, the vascularity of the flaps are reliable. However the technique may not avoid recontracture in the axilla.     

菱形皮瓣张力最小化原则的临床应用

目的评价菱形皮瓣张力最小化原则的临床应用特点及修复不同部位皮肤缺损的术后效果。方法自1999年9月至2005年6月，应用菱形皮瓣修复面、躯干及四肢部的皮肤缺损患者17例。根据各部位的不同情况，应用张力最小化原则设计菱形皮瓣，转移修复皮肤缺损。结果术后随访17例患者1个月至3年，皮瓣全部成活，切口愈合良好，瘢痕增生不明显，修复的外形满意。结论菱形皮瓣张力最小化原则的修复方法是优化的手术方法。值得临床推广应用。     

Para-alar crescentic subcutaneous pedicle flap for repair of skin defects in the philtrum

Crescentic subcutaneous pedicle flaps prepared on the area lateral to the alar base were designed to cover the skin defects in and around the philtrum. In 1 patient a combination of the lateral lip advancement flap and the crescentic subcutaneous pedicle flap was applied to the skin defect on the lateral lip and philtrum. In another patient, a combination of two crescentic subcutaneous pedicle flaps was applied to the skin defect within the philtrum. Both methods have been successful.     

耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣修复耳甲腔皮肤缺损

目的 探讨耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣修复耳甲腔皮肤缺损的治疗效果.方法 对2009年1月至2012年6月收治的12例耳甲腔皮肤缺损行耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣修复患者行回顾性分析.恶性肿瘤经术中病理检查确定基底及周缘无肿瘤细胞残留,根据创面大小设计耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣,经供区与缺损之间的隧道,转移至耳甲腔缺损处覆盖创面,耳后供区直接拉拢缝合.结果 共修复12例耳甲腔皮肤缺损患者,创面以1.5cm×2.5cm~2.5cm×3.0cm大小不等皮瓣覆盖,术后皮瓣血运良好.随访14～55个月（平均28个月）,肿瘤无复发,局部瘢痕不明显,皮瓣色泽与正常皮肤相协调,外耳郭形态正常,患者对耳郭外观满意.结论 耳后皮下蒂岛状皮瓣是临床修复耳甲腔皮肤缺损的一个简单、方便、有效的方法之一.     

改良菱形皮瓣修复皮肤缺损

目的:总结改良菱形皮瓣修复皮肤缺损的的应用经验。方法:2006年～2011年,我科应用改良菱形皮瓣修复皮肤缺损共46例,创面最大7.0cm×4.5cm,最小1.2cm×0.6cm。在缺损边缘的一侧设计皮瓣,浅筋膜层内形成皮瓣,无张力下向受区转移修复创面。结果:术后除2例皮瓣尖端散在的表皮坏死外,其余存活良好,创面得以Ⅰ期修复,经1个月～5年随访,切口痕迹不明显,局部外形满意。结论:改良菱形皮瓣制作简单,是修复皮肤缺损的一种良好方法。     

改良菱形皮瓣在面部软组织缺损修复中的应用

目的探讨改良菱形皮瓣修复面部缺损的临床疗效。方法自2016年1月至2019年12月深圳建安医疗美容门诊部采用改良菱形皮瓣修复面部肿物切除后皮肤软组织缺损患者45例,肿物主要位于耳部、下睑缘、鼻背部、上唇及面颊部;缺损面积为1.5 cm×2.0 cm~3.0 cm×4.0 cm。结果所有患者皮瓣全部成活,切口一期愈合,术后随访6~12个月,术后皮瓣色泽、血运良好,触感正常,外观较满意,且无明显瘢痕。结论采用改良菱形皮瓣修复面部肿物切除后软组织缺损,具有设计灵活、充分利用周围组织、手术操作简单、术后瘢痕较小等优点,值得临床推广。     

皮下组织蒂岛状皮瓣在面部皮肤缺损修复中的应用

目的介绍皮下组织蒂岛状皮瓣在面部皮肤缺损中的应用。方法以面部皮下组织作为皮瓣的供血蒂,转移皮瓣修复面部缺损。皮瓣面积为1.0cm×1.0cm至3.0cm×4.0cm。结果本组25例患者,切口均Ⅰ期愈合,皮瓣全部成活,术后面部形态满意,术区平整,无"猫耳"畸形,切口瘢痕不明显。结论皮下组织蒂岛状皮瓣修复面部皮肤缺损可以达到良好的美学效果。     

指神经血管蒂推进皮瓣修复指端缺损

目的 介绍指掌侧血管神经蒂推进皮瓣修复指端缺损的方法和临床效果.方法 按Littler法,在指残端设计皮瓣,分离血管神经蒂,以增加皮瓣推进距离,用于重建长度在2.2cm范围内的指端创面.1998年以来,应用6例,指端创面长度1.5-2.2cm.结果 皮瓣全部成活,随访3-12月,外形,感觉满意.结论 指掌侧血管神经蒂推进皮瓣,手术简单,效果确切,可修复长度在2.2cm范围内的指端缺损.     

真皮下血管网皮瓣在手部创伤修复中的应用

目的总结应用带蒂随意、轴型真皮下血管网皮瓣和吻合血管的真皮下血管网皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损65例72个皮瓣的临床效果。方法应用带蒂随意和轴型真皮下血管网皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损53例59个皮瓣,皮瓣长宽比例最大3．5：1,断蒂时间4-20d;吻合血管的真皮下血管网12例13个皮瓣,修复面积最大为60％。结果除1例随意皮瓣远端有1cm×3cm皮肤坏死外,其余皮瓣全部成活,均获得满意疗效。结论真皮下血管网皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损效果优于传统皮瓣。     

Y-V血管延长法在岛状皮瓣移位术中的应用

目的 介绍岛状皮瓣移位术中延长血管蒂的方法。评价其临床效果。方法 自1994年2月-2001年10月行Y-V血管延长岛状皮瓣移位术的患者16例,男10例,女6例;年龄19-45岁,平均26.8岁。皮瓣选取箩筐研究生蒂有“Y”形血管分支者,将与皮瓣血管蒂共干的另一条分支（“Y”形的另一臂）同时进行分离,在“Y”形分岔部的近侧结扎血管主干,以另一条血管为血供来源,血管蒂得以Y-V样延长,然后逆转修复创面。结果 血管蒂长度平均增加6cm,术后无血管危象发生65例皮瓣全部成活,色泽,质地与受区一致。结论 Y-V血管延长法不仅扩大了岛状皮瓣的应用范围。而且有利于移位皮瓣的成活,值得推广应用。     

Reconstruction of extensive upper extremity defects using pre-expanded oblique perforator-based paraumbilical flaps

The pedicled paraumbilical flap is a reliable tissue transfer for hand and forearm reconstruction. However, its size, pedicle length and/or thickness limit its application in resurfacing of extensive defects of the upper limb. To conquer those limitations, this flap was pre-expanded for 10-24 weeks prior to transfer in 25 patients and used as a pedicle flap to cover upper extremity defects. Extensive defects of upper limb were reconstructed by the pre-expanded paraumbilical flaps. The flaps ranged in size from 10 cm × 8 cm to 30 cm × 14 cm. The donor sites were closed directly in all cases. All flaps survived, but two had partial flap necrosis due to venous congestion or infection. With pre-transfer expansion, a large, well-perfused abdominal pedicle flap can be raised and transferred based on the paraumbilical perforators. This pre-expanded flap might be useful in the patients who have the extensive upper limb defects and sufficient time to allow tissue expansion.     

Nasolabial V-Y Advancement for Closure of the Midface Defects

BACKGROUND: V-Y subcutaneous advancement flaps receive an excellent blood supply from subcutaneous tissue and are ideal for use on the face. Also it is advantageous cosmetically compared to other local flaps. OBJECTIVE: Nasolabial V-Y advancement flaps are very useful in closing defects of the midface region after tumor resection. METHODS: Our experience with nasolabial V-Y flaps in 22 patients is reported. The average defect size was 2.4 cm x 3.2 cm. RESULTS: Minor flap necrosis occurred in one patient and simple lower eyelid ectropion in another. CONCLUSION: Nasolabial V-Y advancement flap is a simple and satisfactory alternative for closing relatively large defects in the midface when compared with other methods such as skin graft and rotation or transposition flaps. It is easy to design, reliable, and offers good cosmetic results.