The scar band rotation flap

Abstract

This study presents cases in which postburn scar contractures of finger joints and interdigital spaces have been reconstructed using a scar band rotation flap. The scar band rotation flap is a subcutaneous pedicled skin island flap consisting of a contracture-causing scar band, the graft surface and normal skin. After flap rotation, the normal skin in the flap divides the scar band, thus releasing the scar contracture. In the past 10 years, we have used this reconstruction method to treat seven patients (three males and four females) ranging in age from 4 to 72 years. In all patients, the cause of the scar contractures was marginal scarring of a life-saving skin graft that was used to treat extensive burns. We reconstructed four finger joints and eight interdigital space contractures and obtained favorable results with no flap loss. We have found this method to be useful for the reconstruction of small scar contractures in locations such as finger joints and interdigital spaces after skin grafting to treat extensive burns.