Treatment modalities in severe mento-sternal synechia

Scar contracture of the neck after a burn-injury can cause both functional and aesthetic problems, and still presents a challenge for plastic surgeons. The anatomic area and adjacent structures such as the lower lip, trachea and neuro-vascular structures which are affected by the scar make treatment diffucult. Scarring and contracture of the neck region may severely limit function, cause alterations of normal posture and make intubation for surgery difficult. When a burn scar extends toward the face, eating and swallowing may be restricted and facial distortion may develop as the scar pulls the mouthdownwards even the lower eyelids.

Following the upper extremity, the neck is the most common site affected by burn contracture. The method chosen for contracture release, depends on the severity of scarring and extent of involvement. If the contracture area is limited, z-plasties, skin grafts or local skin flaps are adequate for the treatment but when the whole anterior neck is affected, the treatment modalities are limited and mostly skin grafts either meshed or unmeshed are used.

In this study we evaluated the usage of alternative teatment methods involving skin grafts and local flaps for severe neck contractures and tried to discuss oftenly encounered difficulties in treating these group of patients.

Many techniques have been described for correction of neck contractures, including skin grafting, expanders, local regional flaps and free flaps. The treatment of choice should be modified for every patient.