Double opposing five flaps as an easy way to correct post burn band contracture

Abstract

Post burn contracture usually need interference mostly for functional or cosmetic correction. Release and skin graft is the first option in the reconstructive ladder; it has its drawbacks either re-contracture or pigmentation of the graft. Release and flap coverage when available is the best. Free flaps, at a time, was the best and last option in the reconstructive ladder. Still, it is the most expensive surgery that consumes a long time for flap raising, anastomosis of its vessels, in addition to donner site morbidity, the need for stages of defatening and the possibility of failure.

Local flaps if available is the easiest technique for all plastic surgeons even the beginners. Back to basic: advancement, transposition and rotation flap are easy for any plastic surgeon. Linear scaring or contracture usually can be corrected by Z plasty or multiple Z if long. Sometimes double opposing Z plasties (5 flaps release) is used if one side of the line is healthy and the other is scared.

Z plasty and its varieties are not enough to correct very broad band contracture since its release usually develops large defect. In that case even the free flap alone is not enough; split skin graft is mandatory to complete the defect coverage.

Our technique is only for band contracture that neither very broad nor linear, and is surrounded by healthy skin, that technique is double opposing 5 flap (DO5F) release.