[Reconstruction of the neck outline after burns using microsurgical technics]

Cervical burn contractures require early correction because of aesthetic, mechanical and functional reasons. Respiration may be impaired and intubation prove difficult due to contractures. If correction of the contracture is not possible with conventional techniques, then free flaps may be used for neck reconstruction. In this series seven patients had two radial arm flaps, two had latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, one had a latissimus dorsi muscle flap, one a dorsalis pedis flap, and one had a groin flap. Six out of seven free flaps healed without any complications. In one case, using a free groin flap a superficial necrosis was excised and skin grafted. In all cases unrestricted movement of the neck was achieved after physiotherapy. By contouring the flaps a good cosmetic result was achieved.