Flexible application of scar tissue flaps in scar contracture release surgery: A retrospective study

Complete release of scar contracture often relies on surgery, but if the surgery injures normal skin tissue triggers new wounds and scarring, which adds insult to injury for the patient.

To explore a method that uses scar tissue to repair the defect after the release of scars and try to avoid damage to normal skin tissue.

Forty-eight scar contracture patients admitted to our hospital from October 2014 to October 2019 were treated with scar tissue flaps (including Subcutaneous pedicle rhomboid flap, Z-plasty flap, 5-flap, and their combination model) and minor defects in combination with little scattered skin grafts. Medical and demographic data were collected on each patient. Assessed the joint range of motion (ROM) preoperatively and postoperatively, and complication was recorded. The rate of scar contracture recurrence was recorded at a follow-up of 6-24 months.

Twenty-eight cases of scar contracture located in the joint sites, 20 in the trunk. All the surgical outcomes were satisfied, with significant improvement in contracture scarring and joint status. Postoperative joint range of motion (ROM) showed a significant improvement in comparison with preoperative mobility, whereas the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). After 24 months of follow-up, five joints showed recontraction, with a recurrence rate of 10.42%.

Scar contracture could be efficiently treated by properly designing incisions and making the most of the scar tissue flap, to minimize and avoid damage to the normal skin.