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.     

Rate of elongation provided by multiple subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flaps-an experimental study in the rat inguinal skin

PURPOSE: To investigate the rate of elongation provided by multiple subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lower extremities of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were strained and fixed on a table to provide a tension line over the inguinal area. Two rhomboid shaped adjacent flaps with subcutaneous pedicles were designed over the tension line. Each flap was 1cm long and the distance between two flaps was 0.5 cm. The total pre-operative length was 2.5 cm. Flaps were incised and freed from the stretched skin. Tension line over the inguinal area was relieved by relaxation incisions. The resulting defects were then closed by suturing the rhomboid flaps in V-Y advancement along the tension line and in Y-V advancement along the relaxation incisions. The final elongation was measured and the results were analysed statistically. RESULTS: All relaxation incisions were effective in relief of tension over the inguinal area and in lengthening the tension line. Pre-operative 2.5 cm lengths ranged between 5.7 and 6.3 cm post-operatively (mean +/- standard deviation = 5.99 +/- 17 cm). The mean difference between pre- and post-operative measurements was 3.49 cm (139.6% gain in length). The subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flaps easily closed all defects generated by relaxation and elongation. Statistical analysis revealed that two adjacent subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flaps were efficient to close the defects generated by the relaxation incisions that produced a 139% gain in length (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this experimental study show that multiple subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flaps promise to be a good alternate technique in the treatment of long contracture bands in terms of rate of elongation and simplicity.     

Use of rhomboid flap and double Z-plasty technique in the treatment of chronic postburn contractures

BACKGROUND: Multiple reconstructive methods have been used for the treatment of postburn scar contractures including skin grafting, geometric relaxation techniques, local flaps and free flaps. PURPOSE: In the present study, the authors evaluated efficiency of the use of rhomboid flap and double Z-plasty technique in the treatment of chronic postburn contractures. METHODS: Twelve white male with postburn scar contracture were treated using rhomboid and double Z-plasty technique. The cause of burn, duration of contracture, postoperative follow-up period, preoperative and postoperative motion lag of joints and improvement in motion were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: All operations were successful. Severe contracture lines crossing flexion folds can be released effectively by using rhomboid flap and double Z-plasty technique without distorting the specialized flexion areas and with broken scar lines which is essential to avoid from recurrence.     

Central axis flap methods

Extensively burned patients often lack ample healthy skin for autotransplantation. Scar contractures are then frequent. Here, we reconstructed contractures using flaps of remaining healthy skin around the recipient sites. In this report, we present four original scar contracture repair methods using subcutaneous pedicled flaps: (1) Propeller flap, (2) multilobed propeller flap, (3) scar-band rotation flap and (4) pin-wheel flap. The subcutaneous pedicle under the center of these various types of flaps allows these methods to be characterized as "central axis flap methods." We have employed these flaps to treat mild scar contractures in the axilla and cubital fossa. These methods are easily manipulated to restore function and improve aesthetics of scar contractures.     

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.     

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.     

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).     

小腿内侧胫后动脉皮瓣的临床应用

临床应用以胫后动脉为主轴的小腿内侧皮瓣15例,分别以岛状移转,交腿移转和吻合血管的游离移植等方式,修复四肢软组织缺损,取得满意疗效。文中介绍和讨论了该皮瓣的手术适应证、设计和操作方法。     

小腿内侧胫后动脉皮瓣的临床应用

临床应用以胫后动脉为主轴的小腿内侧皮瓣１５例，分别以岛状移转，交腿移转和吻合血管的游离移植等方式，修复四肢软组织缺损，取得满意疗效。文中介绍和讨论了该皮瓣的手术适应证、设计和操作方法。     

下肢单蒂多组织瓣游离移植一期修复烧伤手畸形

目的介绍下肢单蒂多组织瓣一期修复烧伤后手部严重畸形的手术方法.方法 2000年9月～2003年2月收治6例,根据手部创伤形状和面积,应用以胫前血管为蒂串连小腿外侧皮瓣、足背皮瓣和第1趾甲瓣游离移植一期再造拇指,同时修复虎口、大鱼际、掌腕瘢痕挛缩及软组织缺损.切取小腿外侧皮瓣范围4 cm×10 cm～7 cm×10 cm;足背皮瓣为5 cm×10 cm～9 cm×12 cm.结果 6例烧伤后严重手畸形被修复.移植的皮瓣及再造拇指均成活.术后随访时间6周～1年.修复后手功能和外形满意.供区下肢行走功能无障碍.结论以胫前血管为蒂的小腿外侧皮瓣、足背皮瓣和第1趾甲瓣串连游离移植,能一期修复烧伤后复杂的手畸形.手术方法可靠有效.     

皮下蒂旋转瘢痕瓣修复颈部带状瘢痕挛缩畸形

目的探讨皮下蒂旋转瘢痕瓣修复颈部带状瘢痕挛缩的手术方法及疗效。方法 2008年8月-2010年5月,收治15例烧伤及烫伤后颈部带状瘢痕挛缩患者。男9例,女6例;年龄7～35岁,平均17.3岁。瘢痕形成时间1～8年,平均3年。瘢痕部位:左侧颈部6例,右侧颈部8例,颏颈角区1例。瘢痕挛缩程度按黎鳌烧伤治疗学的分类标准:Ⅰ度12例,Ⅱ度3例。瘢痕范围8cm×5cm～25cm×12cm。采用大小为7cm×5cm～15cm×10cm的皮下蒂旋转瘢痕瓣修复瘢痕松解后创面,其中3例Ⅱ度颈部瘢痕挛缩患者同时于瘢痕瓣下方颈根部以大小为7cm×4cm～12cm×7cm腹部中厚皮片游离移植修复。结果术后2周2例瘢痕瓣远端出现部分表皮坏死,经换药后愈合,并有轻度增生性瘢痕形成;其余瘢痕瓣及植皮均顺利成活,切口均Ⅰ期愈合。术后患者均获随访,随访时间6～12个月。瘢痕松解彻底,颌颈角及颏颈角恢复正常,瘢痕瓣与周围皮肤颜色接近,无再次挛缩发生。末次随访时颈部活动范围恢复正常。结论皮下蒂旋转瘢痕瓣可有效修复颈部带状瘢痕挛缩,能充分利用侧方多余瘢痕修复纵向瘢痕挛缩所致的皮肤缺损。     

皮下组织蒂菱形皮瓣成形术治疗烧伤后瘢痕挛缩的临床效果

目的 探讨皮下组织蒂菱形皮瓣成形术治疗烧伤后瘢痕挛缩的临床效果。方法 选取2020年 1月-2021年12月邯郸邯钢医院收治的100例烧伤后瘢痕挛缩患者作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为观 察组和对照组,各50例。对照组给予常规游离皮片移植术治疗,观察组给予皮下组织蒂菱形皮瓣成形术 治疗,比较两组治疗满意度、创面愈合时间、皮瓣成活率、复发率、并发症发生率及生活质量评分。 结果 观察组治疗总满意度为98.00%,高于对照组的84.00%（P＜0.05）;观察组创面愈合时间短于对照 组,皮瓣成活率高于对照组,复发率低于对照组（P＜0.05）;观察组并发症发生率为4.00%,低于对照 组的20.00%（P＜0.05）;两组治疗后生活质量评分均高于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论 皮下组织蒂菱形皮瓣 成形术治疗烧伤后瘢痕挛缩的效果良好,可有效提高皮瓣存活率,缩短皮瓣断蒂时间,降低皮瓣感染率, 还能有效控制创面周围炎症反应,提高肢体功能,改善皮肤修复情况,促进患者快速康复。     

A new method in the treatment of postburn scar contractures: double opposing V-Y-Z plasty

PURPOSE: Postburn scar contractures are fairly often seen in many parts of the body, and are still a considerable problem for reconstructive surgeons. Although the mild to moderate contractures can easily be managed by numerous surgical methods, serious contractures usually require more comprehensive surgical solutions including multiple Z plasties and rhomboid flaps, each of which have disadvantages. We used a new method called "double opposing V-Y-Z plasty" in this study. This technique is a combination of V-Y plasty with Z plasty in double opposing fashion, both ensuring primary donor site closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The technique was applied to 21 postburn scar contractures in 14 patients (9 males and 5 females). The localization most often seen was in the hand. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 7.6 months. All flaps healed uneventfully. An adequate lengthening and functional recovery were achieved in all cases. The donor site scars were acceptable in all cases. None of the patients developed contracture recurrence in our series. CONCLUSIONS: Double opposing V-Y-Z plasty, as a good alternative to multiple Z plasties and multiple rhomboid flaps, is a very useful technique to insure more lengthening and to prevent recurrence in the treatment of serious postburn scar contractures.     

Uses of scapular island flap in pediatric axillary burn contractures [correction of conractures

Pediatric axillary post-burn contractures one of the most challenging problems which follow treatment of the upper extremity burns. We preferred to use scapular flaps for surgical treatment of pediatric axillary contractures instead of skin grafting or Z-plasties. In this clinical study we present 13 pediatric cases treated with scapular island flaps. In pediatric scapular flap cases, the technique which we used was to extend the flap's pedicle dissection was continued to the level of bifurcation of subscapular artery. Bypassing the flap triangular space allowed us to cover the anterior part of the axillary contractures. We observed that the scapular flap repairs have many benefits to skin grafting including no recurrence of contracture and stable coverage of the shoulder joint. The other advantages of scapular island flap are that the donor site is closed primarily, and it provides an adequate amount of pliable skin while not compromising the function and range of motion of joints. In conclusion, the island scapular flap is a good choice for reconstruction of various axillary contractures in pediatric population.     

Shoulder adduction contracture after burn: Anatomy and treatment with quadrangular local scar subcutaneous pedicled flap,a new approach

Background

Axillary adduction contracture is caused by scars that tightly surround the shoulder joint impairing the function of the upper limb. Due to severe scar surface deficiency, contracture release presents a challenge for surgeons since a method of release is transfer of tissue in the form of a large pedicled or free flap(s). Thus, development of simpler, less traumatic techniques, using local tissues, persists.

Methods

Anatomic studies of shoulder adduction contractures after burn (pre-operative, during surgery, post-reconstruction) were done in 346 pediatric and adult patients. All were divided into three groups according to contracture types: with edge contractures (80%), medial (6%) and total (14%). Anatomical study covered peculiarities of total contractures and possibilities for their treatment using local scarred tissue.

Results

Total contractures (48 patients) were caused by scars tightly surrounding the joint on three sides: anterior, posterior, and axillary. There were two specific forms of contracture: (a) shoulder close to the chest wall (22 of 48 patients) which was treated with thoracic pedicled or free flaps; (b) in 26 out of 48 patients a flat scar and skin graft surface laid along the shoulder and chest wall, in axillary projection, which were used for contracture release in the form of a subcutaneous pedicled quadrangular flap. The flap was mobilized only peripherally, descending to the apex of the axilla, forming the central axillary zone, and suspension of the axilla on a normal level. Wounds aside the flaps were covered with skin graft. Acceptable functional and cosmetic results were achieved in all 26 patients.

Conclusion

Total shoulder adduction contractures have two forms: (a) shoulder close/fused with the chest wall; and (b) along the chest wall and shoulder there is a flat surface, the tissue of which can be used for reconstruction in a form of scar subcutaneous pedicled quadrangular flap. Based on this flap, a new technique is described which is relatively easy to perform.     

Expanding oral angle plasty using a subcutaneous pedicle flap to correct severe microstomia after extensive facial burns

Expanding oral angle plasty using a subcutaneous pedicle flap to correct severe microstomia due to extensive facial scar contractures is described. This technique is especially suited for the elderly, who are unable to tolerate large skin grafting of the face, and for patients with insufficient normal donor skin to undertake extensive correction of scar contractures.     

背阔肌游离皮瓣修复面颈部瘢痕挛缩畸形

目的:研究背阔肌游离皮瓣在修复面颈部挛缩畸形中所起的重要作用。方法:10例面颈部瘢痕彻底松解后,采用游离的背阔肌肌皮瓣治疗,将胸背动静脉分别与面动静脉吻合,供瓣区采用中厚皮片移植,其中两例采用预扩张的背阔肌游离皮瓣进行修复。结果:9例背阔肌肌皮瓣游离移植后完全存活,1例背阔肌皮瓣远端部分坏死,术后患者的面颈部功能和外形得到明显的改善。结论:背阔肌游离皮瓣修复面颈部瘢痕挛缩畸形效果可靠。     

Experience with the distally based posterior tibial island flap

A series of ten patients is presented to demonstrate the use of the distally based posterior tibial island flap with or without a muscle component for reconstruction of the foot. Six patients had defects due to a road traffic accident, two had defects due to a work accident, one had extensive scar contractures after a deep burn and advanced Buerger’s disease in another. There was complete survival of all the flaps but one. Four flaps were fasciocutaneous and six myofasciocutaneous, including the medial hemisoleus muscle. This flap is very useful in lower extremity reconstruction, particularly in the lower third of the leg and foot due to its long vascular pedicle, availability of skin and muscle and ease of elevation. All the island flaps were based on the anastomosis between posterior tibial and peroneal arteries above the medial malleolus. Received: 16 December 1997 / Accepted: 1 July 1998     

Super-thin abdominal skin pedicle flap for the reconstruction of hypertrophic and contracted dorsal hand burn scars

Dorsal contracture is one of the most common complications of burned hand and can result in a spectrum of deformities and functional disabilities. The injury usually necessitates surgical reconstruction and to the majority of patients, cosmetic end result is a very important issue. In this retrospective study, the authors present the technique of super-thin skin abdominal pedicle flap for the treatment of dorsal hand hypertrophic burn contracture, and review the results. Overall 42 medium or large hypertrophic and contracted scars of the dorsal hand in 34 patients were treated using this procedure. Generally, the functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated as good. The functional results were comparable to employment of other types of flap with no relapse of contracture. From the aesthetic point of view, the reconstructed skin was similar to the skin of the rest of the extremity, with good color match, bulkiness, laxity, and suppleness. The scar of the donor region was comparable to the scar of abdominoplasty procedures on the ipsi-lateral side of the lower abdomen. Therefore, this procedure can be considered a reliable and technically simple modality in the treatment of dorsal hand burn contractures.     

局部皮瓣在耳廓部分缺损修复术中的应用

目的:探讨局部皮瓣在耳廓部分缺损修复术中的应用。方法:选择耳前局部皮瓣、皮下蒂皮瓣、改良菱形皮瓣及耳后局部皮瓣修复耳廓组织缺损。结果:本组患者术后伤口均Ⅰ期愈合,皮瓣移植成活,无坏死,肤色及质地正常,瘢痕较隐蔽。随访6个月以上,耳廓外形满意,瘢痕不明显。结论:局部皮瓣在耳廓部分缺损修复术中的应用,效果理想,值得临床应用。