Comparison Study of 5-Flap Z-Plasty and Double Z-Plasty for Interdigital Pocket Web Contractures

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the improvement in abduction and change in web slope between 5-flap z-plasty and double z-plasty for post-burn or post-trauma interdigital pocket web contractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 16 webs in 11 patients with post-burn or post-trauma interdigital pocket web contractures. Seven patients underwent 5-flap z-plasty and 4 double z-plasty. The abduction and slope angles of the affected fingers were measured before surgery and every 3 months after surgery.

Results

The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 36 months. The postoperative abduction angle improved in both groups. There was an increase of 19° ± 4° in the mean abduction angle after surgery in the 5-flap z-plasty group compared with a mean of 12° ± 2° in the double z-plasty group; the postoperative decrease in the web slope angle was 30° ± 5° and 22° ± 2°, respectively. All patients were able to actively move the affected webs and fingers with no pain or other discomfort.

Conclusions

Five-flap z-plasty can be considered a better alternative to double z-plasty for interdigital pocket web contractures based on the improvement in abduction angle and changes in the slope angle.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic IV.