Extension of flaps associated with burn scar reconstruction: A key difference between island and skin-pedicled flaps

The choice between local flap designs for burn reconstruction is largely shaped by aesthetic, vascularity, procedural complexity, and wound-closure considerations. However, another key consideration is how well specific local flap designs release post-burn scar contractures. This is because constant tension on wound edges can generate pathological scarring. However, the ability of specific local flap to release post-burn scar contractures is poorly understood. This question was addressed by this study of patients who underwent local flap surgery to release post-burn scar contractures.

The flap type, its original size, and the degree to which the flap extended 6 months after surgery were recorded.

Of the 40 patients enrolled, 20 received an island flap and 20 received a skin-pedicled flap. The scars were most commonly located on the anterior chest, axilla, and cubital fossa, followed by the lateral chest, abdomen, thigh, and popliteal fossa. Six months after surgery, the skin-pedicled and island flaps had extended on average by 1.53- and 1.28-fold, respectively.

While it was technically easier to transfer island flaps to the recipient site, they released contractures less effectively than skin-pedicled flaps. The postoperative extensibility of flaps should be considered when determining which flap design is optimal for the individual patient.