"A square peg into a round hole": a modified rhomboid flap and its clinical application

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• The rhombic flap is a versatile tool in reconstructive surgery.
• Classic rhombic flap design involves specific geometric planning.
• Modifications may enhance applicability and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe two novel modifications to the standard rhombic flap design.
• To evaluate the advantages and clinical application of these modified flaps.
• To report outcomes from a series of reconstructions using the modified rhombic flap.

Main Methods:

• Modification 1: Eliminating the need to create a geometrically precise rhomboid defect.
• Modification 2: Designing the flap to be smaller than the defect requiring reconstruction.
• Application of these modifications in 175 reconstructive procedures.

Main Results:

• The modified rhombic flap technique was successfully applied in 175 cases.
• Advantages of the modifications, such as procedural simplification, were observed.
• The flap's smaller size relative to the defect facilitated reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• The described modifications offer a practical alternative to the classic rhombic flap.
• These modifications simplify the surgical process and maintain reconstructive efficacy.
• The technique is suitable for a wide range of reconstructive challenges.