Massive scar contractures in unique presentation: Case report

Scar contractures are a common complication of burn injuries, especially in the head and neck region. This paper presents a case of a middle-aged female who suffered severe scar contracture after a burn injury during the war in Syria.

A 33-year-old woman with a severe neck scar contracture resulting from a neglected burn injury presented to a plastic surgery department. The contractures extended to the chin, mandible, chest, and upper limbs. The patient underwent contracture release and reconstruction surgery, which involved the removal of the platysma and the placement of split-thickness skin grafts. The patient was discharged after one month of hospitalization. However, burn injuries require immediate and deliberate treatment, which may include reconstructive surgery.

Despite various efforts have been made to prevent the development of contractures, the contraction ratio of burn scars is still a badly controlled process, and reconstructive surgery is often indicated. There are many options to achieving the surgery, which vary in complexity. However, there is no preferable strategy and each option has advantages and disadvantages.

Reconstructive is complete and technically demanded surgery, which needs special centers and professionals, this leads to poor results, especially in development countries like Syria.