Treatment of flexion contractures following burns in extremities

In order to release and cover defects in burn contractures over joints, several surgical procedures have been proposed. Skin grafting is easy to do, but it requires immobilization, and tends to contract again, different types of flaps without skin grafting are alternatives. These flaps have their specific indications, limitations and some disadvantages such as a bulky, unattractive appearance in donor or recipient sites, partial necrosis, and sometimes patients dissatisfaction. Considering these points, the authors proposed a new technique composed of a Y-V advancement in the middle and two scar releases proximal and distal to the joint which were covered with full thickness skin grafts. This seems to have some advantages in both case of technique and more patients satisfaction. In the current study, the authors presented their results with different methods of treatment, which they performed for burn flexion contractures in limbs. Ninety-one operations were performed in 74 patients, the method of reconstruction included skin grafting in 43 contractures, local flaps in 16, pediculated flaps in 11, and the new combined approach in 21 cases. Width of scar was one of the main factors for selection of choice option. This proposed technique is especially appropriate for scars which cover 10-60% of joint surface area. Advantages of this combined technique are coverage of joint area with a pretty normal skin flap, and enough scar lengthening due to combination of Y-V advancement and skin grafted released areas.