Treatment of wide scar contracture of antecubital fossa with bipedicle flap from scar tissue

Abstract

Many surgical techniques exist for reconstruction of burn scar contracture of the antecubital fossa, such as Z plasty, VY plasty, lateral arm flap, and medial arm flap. Another option is direct release of the scar contracture and skin graft of the defect area, which requires prolonged splinting and risk of graft failure. Additionally, in the areas with exposed tendons or vessels, we cannot use grafts. Recurrence of contracture remains another drawback of this treatment, in this article we present a new, simple alternative method for treatment of these cases. In this clinical trial we introduce a new technique of bipedicle flap from scar tissue for coverage of the antecubital fossa with skin grafting of the proximal and distal parts of this bipedicle flap. From July 2002 to July 2005 we used this flap in 12 patients and efficacy and versatility of this flap was studied. Seven patients were female and 5 were male with mean age of 23.7 years. The mean time between burn and our reconstructive operation was 3.2 years. The mean surface area of antecubital burn scar tissue was 77.5%. Mean extension lag before operation was 66.5°, mean extension lag during operation was 4.5° and after operation was 5.4°. Minor complication was observed in two cases with necrosis of the flap margin. Mean follow-up period was 17 months and the appearance of operated site in antecubital fossa was acceptable in all patients. The advantage of this bipedicle flap is its simple surgical technique. The risk of flap necrosis is negligible and it is a reliable flap. Splinting time is short and the risk of recurrence of contracture with this technique is minimal.