[Reconstruction of scar constractures in axilla and chest with local scar skin flap].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate a suitable way to reconstruct sear constractures in the axilla and chest.

METHODS

From January 2001 to December 2005, 52 patients (57 episodes) with scar constractures in the axilla and chest were treated, including 31 males and 21 females with an age range of 1-44 years. The deformities of scar constractures in the axilla and chest were reconstructed with posterior part of axillary scar skin flaps (44 epidsodes), anterior part of axillary scar skin flaps (10 episodes) and lateral part of upper arm's scar skin flaps (3 episodes). The flaps were sutured to the surrounding tissues in 19 episodes, the donor sites in other 38 cases were covered with split thickness skin grafts.

RESULTS

Fifty-four scar skin flaps survived completely by the first intention except 3 flaps, which margin necrosed and healed with dressing changes. All patients were followed up 1 month to 5 years. All patients gained a good functional recovery and cosmetic appearance after the operation, and the unfolding function of shoulder restored to 1500.

CONCLUSION

Axillary local scar skin flap is a good alternative method to reconstruct scar constractures in the axilla and chest.