[Timing indications for plastic surgery interventions in burns in the area of the neck and across joints]

From 1985 to 1988, 120 patients underwent opertations. 200 times because of deep dermal or total dermal thermal injury. On the basis on the pathophysiology of tissue repair and scar contracture after burns as well as our experience we conclude that the first aim of the surgeon should be to avoid granulation tissue, the precursor of contracting scars. Only the immediate transplantation of autologous skin onto the surgically created wound after excision of burned tissue can halt the repair process. Flaps are the treatment of choice for reconstruction of existing contracturs deep in the fascia.