Flap Choices to Treat Complex Severe Postburn Hand Contracture

Abstract

Many regions of the hand are affected seriously in the patients with complex severe postburn hand contractures. Multiple flap choices should be in count to treat complex severe postburn hand contractures affectively. We preferred dorsal ulnar flap for palmar region, cross-finger flap, side finger flap, and combined use of both for flexion contracture of the fingers, and rhomboid flap for web contractures. Eight patients having complex severe postburn hand contractures were treated between November 2001 and February 2005. The maximum improvements of the joint extensions were 75 degrees for median of digits metacarpophalangeal joint and 105 degrees for proximal interphalangeal joint. Grasp function of the hand dramatically improved, and the bulk of the flap did not interfere grasping. Complex severe postburn hand contracture can be treated sufficiently with dorsal ulnar flap, combined use of cross-finger and side finger transposition flap, and rhomboid flap.